National Blank Book

The National Blank Book Company is integral to the history of Holyoke. James Towne and his sons grew the company from a small New York City firm in 1843 into the world leader in blank books. In 1881 Edward Towne moved the mill from NYC to Holyoke.

In 1898 they erected their own mill on the Second Level Canal at the juncture with Riverside Station. From 1906 to 1930 it was enlarged 5 different times.

Sanborn map analysis:

Sanborn 1884 1889 and 1895 all show the site is empty but National Blank Book is in the city since they are at the Cabot Street Mill with other small developing firms.

Sanborn 1889 map

Sanborn 1915 map

Sanborn 1949 map plus there is a site 2 buildings away to the north

Sanborn 1956 map

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