Diagramatic drawing of proposed Davidson River site for Champagne Paper Corp., March 11, 1938.

The Ecusta
Collection consists of newspaper clippings, company publications, and
photographs donated to the Local History Room at the Transylvania County
Library by former employees and their families. 
There is also a large amount of information collected by Brian Du Toit
while researching his book, Ecusta and the Legacy of Harry H. Straus.  After publication Du Toit donated the material
to the Library.

The
newspaper articles range from site selection in 1938 to post plant closure.  Subjects include early construction, Harry
Straus, the Olin era (1949-1985), the Glatfelter era (1987-2001), Unions and
strikes, sale to Nat Pari, plant closure, environmental concerns, and general history.

The
collection also contains numerous company publications–brochures, employee
bulletins, manuals, memos, and newsletters. 
Documents covering Camp Straus buildings and grounds, the landfill, the
dam, and the water system are available as well.

Ladies in the Hand Booklet Department.  Do you recognize anyone?

The Ecusta Echo
was the company’s monthly newsletter. 
The first issue was published in February 1940.  For 15 years it served as the voice of Ecusta
and the larger community.  It covered
news and events from each department, recreational activities, and the lives of
employees and their families.  All issues
of “The Echo” are available in the North Carolina Room thanks to Fritz Merrill
who donated his bound copies to the Library. 
It is also available online at DigitalNC.org.

Ecusta often offered public tours of the facility.

In addition
the Library has approximately 500 photographs of the plant both inside and out,
people at work, and recreational activities. 
Most of the pictures date from the Straus and Olin time periods.  We are interested in identifying departments,
machinery, and work taking place, as well as individuals in these photographs.   If you would like to help please visit the Local
History Room.

Photographs
and information for this column are provided by the Rowell Bosse North Carolina
Room, Transylvania County Library.  Visit
the NC Room during regular library hours (Monday-Friday) to learn more about
our history and see additional photographs. 

For more information, comments or suggestions contact Marcy at [email protected] or 828-884-1820.