Port Townsend Paper Mill
Started in 1928 by Crown Zellerbach, the mill was a boon to a sagging economy and a welcome addition to the area as the largest employer in Jefferson County. Still a regular topic of conversation due to the key waterfront parcel it occupies, the plume of (what is that white stuff?) and occasional strong smell.
One big boon to the city of Port Townsend was a large and reliable supply of water piped, over 30 miles from the Big Quilcene River. It still the largest employer in Jefferson County but that has gone from a high in 1955 of 850, to less than 300 at present, turning out 325,000 tons of unbleached paper and cardboard every year. Ownership and management has changed hands several times over the years, and during the past 10 years the bag department has closed and the future has seemed less predictable.
Some residents are dreaming of the first class destination resort that could go in that lovely waterfront acreage, and others fear the loss of the jobs, and time it would take to put something in it's place. Only time will tell!
Located in Glen Cove on Mill Rd.
