Crane Fine Paper
More than 200 years ago, Stephen Crane decided to make a statement. And it wasn’t with his fashion forward breeches or well-groomed mutton chops. It was, rather, with the name of a paper mill he opened in 1770. He called it the Liberty Paper Mill and, for purveyors of American Heritage, was named so just two years after the British occupied Boston – and just five miles away.
Always the extrovert, Stephen, along with friends, family and customers, were Revolution tastemakers, expressing their fiery patriotism whenever the opportunity presented itself.
From patriotic newspapers to Colonial Currency, Stephen’s 100% Cotton Paper was the material of choice for all the Boston activist elite, including one Paul Revere, whose engraved banknotes on Crane paper helped finance the Revolution. He would also pasture his horses at the Liberty Paper Mill – just in case he needed to make a midnight ride.
Luckily, paper was in the Crane blood and in 1799 Stephen’s son Zenas found a lovely location for a new mill along the banks of the Housatonic River in Dalton, Massachusetts. Even then, the mill was known for producing paper of the finest quality, and, without the help of a Twitter feed, became the go-to paper for banks, government proclamations, and stocks and bonds.
It may well be Crane’s charm and confidence, or perhaps it’s Crane’s impeccable style, but Washington D.C. has always had a fondness for Crane & Co. U.S. currency. Cranes has been the official printer of the Green Back in the longest history of US currency printing.
Cranes Fine Paper As a Premium Paper of Choice
In the mid-1800s, carrier pigeons everywhere wept, as the envelope and postage stamp became Europe’s fashionable way to correspond. The luxurious new delivery method led to the beginning a passionate across-the-pond love affair with Crane & Co.’s social stationery papers. Even The Queen Mum announced the celebration of her 100th Birthday on Crane & Co. Paper !
Centuries later, Crane & Co. still calls Dalton home, and it’s 100% cotton paper still incites swoons, and we’re still making bold statements; still not with breeches, of course.
Heritage of Crane’s Fine Engraved Printing
Engraving is the finest, most distinct form of three-dimensional “raised printing.” No other paper manufacturer offers the engraving quality, craftsmanship and level of service equal to Cranes’
As a highly skilled craft dating back to the 16th century, engraving conveys an unspoken message of distinction and timelessness. It has a warmth and elegance all its own. Running your fingers over a piece of engraved stationery reveals the textures unique to engraving — finely detailed, raised letters with slight indentations on the reverse side of the paper. There is no substitute for true engraving.
Crane’s 100% Cotton Papers
Crane’s cotton papers — Lettra, Kid Finish, Crest and Imaging Finish — are ideal for those looking for an earth-friendly paper that doesn't sacrifice quality. Made with cotton fibers recovered from the apparel trade and the fine fibers left after ginning cotton seed, Crane papers are truly tree-free. The inherently white cotton fibers require fewer chemicals for processing and produce less waste than other raw materials used for papermaking.
Noticeably soft to the touch, cotton papers look brighter and crisper than wood-pulp papers and printed colors appear richer on their surface. Because cotton fibers are strong and soft, they fully absorb and accept impressions made during the printing process.
Crane’s Fine Stationery
The simple elegance of Crane Fine Paper, specifically, cotton papers has long made them the paper of choice for engraved wedding invitations, personalized stationery, correspondence cards, thank you cards, table cards and menu cards. However, because cotton fibers are so durable and hold up well to repeated handling, cotton papers are also ideal for business applications such as business cards, letterhead, financial reports and marketing materials.Read moreShow less
