The Curtis Paper Mill was built in Newark, Delaware in 1870. The Curtis brothers bought the original mill on the site in 1848 and built what stood until late 2007. The actual name of the mill is Nonantum Mill, referring to an Indian name for the area of Newton, Massachusetts, the Curtis' hometown.

The plant had the distinction of manufacturing the paper on which several of the peace treaties ending World War II were signed. The Japanese surrender signed aboard the USS Missouri was signed on Curtis paper (below).

The paper was also the favorite of greeting card manufacturers and periodical publications - most notably Fortune.

The James River Corporation eventually purchased the plant, but closed it in 1997 as they consolidated their operations.  The city of Newark purchased the 7.3 acre property from Crown Vantage Corporation in May of 1999 gaining control of the area situated in close proximity to its water plant operations.  Since then, Newark has invested over $500,000 to complete a brownfield study, structural evaluations, the removal of boilers and underground tanks, an asbestos survey and abatement project, demolition of the structures and other site cleanup efforts and finally the sponsorship of the Paper Mill partners redevelopment efforts.

The site has been cleared save for the iconic smoke stack.

Want to read more?  Visit www.cedartreebooks.com and order a copy of the book, The Curtis Paper Company by Constance Cooper.