The West Tacoma mill was built in 1918 to manufacture book and tablet paper. In 1946 the mill converted to newsprint. During the life of the mill there were 4 paper machines. (Two number 2 machines). Number 1, a 124" wire book machine furnished by Black Clawson in 1918, retired in 1977. Number 2 was a 154" Pusey Jones built in 1925,  replaced in 1952 with a 146" P & J machine. Number 3 was a 266" newsprint machine furnished by Beloit in 1966. On December 23d, 2000 the last roll of newsprint will spool off the number 3 Paper Machine starting the final shut down process, bringing to a close more than four generations of tradition. For the men and women who have worked at the mill it is akin to losing a loved one. The Papermaking History Page salutes the men and women of the West Tacoma Paper Mill at Steilacoom, WA.

The following information and photos were furnished to The Papermaking History Page by Chris Webber. 

ABOUT THE MACHINES:

The original Number 1 Black Clawson machine was removed sometime during the 30's or 40's while the mill was owned by Everett Pulp and Paper. The Number 2 Pusey & Jones machine was rebuilt in 1936 and ran for a year. It was rebuilt again in 1946 and finally retired in 1966. This machine was sold and removed in 1977. In 1952 West Tacoma Newsprint installed a new machine in the space vacated by the Black Clawson machine, a 146" Pusey Jones Fourdrinier at a price of $968,700.00 not including wages, tools, taxes, etc. This machine was rebuilt and modernized in 1984. The number 3 PM was furnished by Beloit under a machine contract dated June 26th, 1964. The price of the machine was $2,747,561.00 and included some improvements to both number 1 and number 2 winders. The contract included a dust recovery system, but not site preparation, building construction or any other incidentals.

PHOTOS:

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	The oldest known photo of the Steilacoom Mill circa 1919 by Hobbs and Spafford of Tacoma.
	A view of the mill circa 1920 by Thomas Boland of Tacoma.
	"No1 and 2PM" is the only known photo to exist of the original paper machines. Also from Pulp and Paper Magazine.
	"Millsite1927" was taken for the Pacific Pulp and Paper Industry magazine (now owned by Pulp and Paper Magazine).

The Papermaking History Channel is indebted to Chris Webber for the story and photos above. For more information concerning the history of the West Tacoma Mill, visit The Mill at Chambers Creek, a website by Christopher B. Webber devoted to documenting the rich history of the Steilacoom Mill.

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