From Riverside Papers to Tru-Ray Construction Paper – How a Premium Paper was Crafted
The story of Tru-Ray construction paper begins in 1893. Founded as Riverside Fibre Company along the shore of the Fox River in Appleton, Wisconsin, the small pulp mill settled in among other manufacturing establishments in the area. The small company rapidly expanded in size, machinery and capabilities.
Unfortunately, in May of 1905 a fire burned the building down, but the mill was rebuilt and opened again in November of the same year.
The Appleton Daily Post, a local newspaper, wrote about the fire, as well as the reconstruction. "The new plant," the paper wrote, "will be of brick and steel and modern in every appointment." Below is a newspaper clipping regarding the fire.
Led by entrepreneurs, Riverside continued to flourish through both World Wars, and endured changes in management, ownership and corporate identities. Pictured below is a photo of employees in 1942.
In the 1960s, Riverside started producing and marketing their construction paper under the Tru-Ray brand. Below is an ad published in 1964 for Tru-Ray® Construction Paper.
In 2007, Riverside Paper Corporation which included Tru-Ray, was acquired by Pacon, and then became part of the Dixon Ticonderoga family of brands in 2018.
Today, Tru-Ray construction paper is known for its premium quality and is America’s #1 teacher art brand.
