D. H. & A. B. Tower
| Company type | Partnership |
|---|---|
| Industry | Architecture, Engineering (civil and mechanical) |
| Founded | 1878 in Holyoke, Massachusetts, United States |
| Founder | David Horatio Tower, Ashley Bemis Tower |
| Defunct | 1892 |
| Headquarters | Holyoke , United States |
Area served | United States; Canada; Mexico; Germany; Brazil; United Kingdom; India; China; Japan; Australia |
Key people | David Horatio Tower, Ashley Bemis Tower, George F. Hardy, Joseph Wallace |
| Products | Architectural and engineering designs for mills and factories, especially paper mills |
Number of employees | 12–35 |
Operating under the name D. H. & A. B. Tower, siblings David Horatio Tower (1832–1907) and Ashley Bemis Tower (1847–1901) were distinguished American architects as well as civil and mechanical engineers based in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Their expertise lay in the design of mills and factories throughout the United States—from Maine to California—and internationally, including projects in Canada, Mexico, Germany, Brazil, the United Kingdom, India, China, Japan, and Australia. By the time their partnership ended in 1892, their firm was acknowledged as "the largest paper mill architectural firm in the nation," having produced over 8,000 detailed plans related to mills, machinery, and waterpower enhancements.
Joseph Wallace, who once partnered with Ashley B. Tower, attributed significant influence to the brothers in shaping the field of paper mill engineering: "the evolution of paper mill engineering is largely intertwined with the contributions of the 'Towers of Holyoke,' followed by a generation of younger engineers trained under their guidance."
Among their notable works are Ashley B. Tower’s designs for Kimberly-Clark’s initial pulp manufacturing facilities in Kimberly, Wisconsin, and David H. Tower’s architectural plans for Crane Currency's plants in Dalton, Massachusetts—the pioneering site for producing currency paper for the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
History
David Tower embarked on his professional journey as a millwright apprentice at age 13 in 1845 and had established his own practice in Holyoke by 1867. His brother Ashley B. Tower joined him in 1871, and by 1878 their firm formally adopted the name D. H. & A. B. Tower as their business expanded.
From 1878 until their partnership dissolved in 1892, the brothers were responsible for designing numerous mills across the United States and internationally across five continents. In an 1899 statement, Ashley Tower revealed that he had taken part in over 55 mills in principal engineering roles and contributed to more than 100 projects overall.
Their contributions were instrumental to Kimberly-Clark’s early expansion through designing its groundwood pulp plant in Kimberly (1888) and sulfite pulp mills in Appleton (1890), which gave the company a competitive edge by integrating cutting-edge cellulose extraction methods.
Initially operating out of the Hadley Falls Bank Building, their offices later relocated to Holyoke’s Flatiron block—a site known for its exceptional natural lighting afforded by its distinctive architectural configuration.
Although Ashley Tower started without formal engineering training as an apprentice, he eventually outpaced his brother through innovation, securing patents such as an enhanced wood pulp grinder that was adopted both domestically and internationally by 1885.
Their international business approach included a study tour of European mill designs during 1884–1885 aimed at refining their competitive position. They prioritized tailored engineering solutions to maximize efficiency on each site; a prime example is the Melchert & Cia Mill in Salto, São Paulo (1887), recognized as South America’s first industrial paper mill still operational today producing currency-grade paper.
Their meticulous research extended beyond paper mills—for instance, designing the Hampden County Jail involved comprehensive consultations and site inspections to incorporate optimal practices.
The Towers’ reputation was global, with projects spanning Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, China, India, Japan, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, and Central America. Toward the conclusion of their collaboration, they diversified into commercial and residential architecture featuring styles from Second Empire to Italianate designs. Their buildings frequently included ornamental towers as a signature element reflecting their family name.
By 1897, due to limited waterpower resources in Holyoke and growing demand for larger-scale operations, Tower & Wallace moved their base to New York City for several years. Their vast collection—approximately 8,000 architectural and mechanical drawings—was stored securely at the Flatiron block; however, its present location remains unknown. Following Ashley Tower's passing in 1901, former draftsman George F. Hardy acquired the firm’s New York assets and continued its engineering work there.
Legacy
The Tower brothers earned a reputation as the foremost architects specializing in paper mills worldwide, skillfully integrating civil and mechanical engineering with tailored site designs to optimize the use of natural power. Following their passing, Ashley Tower was honored as the "Nestor" of paper and pulp mill engineering, while David Tower received acclaim from Hearst's news service, which dubbed him "the Paper King."
Operating under the partnership name "D. H. & A. B. Tower," they were responsible for designing more than 100 mills, not counting individual commissions or projects completed by their trainees. Their firm employed between 12 and 35 staff members, including engineers and draftsmen, who played a crucial role in shaping their enduring influence on the pulp and paper sector.
Among their distinguished protégés was George F. Hardy, who joined the firm in 1888 and became a junior partner after David Tower's departure. Hardy subsequently served as the inaugural chief engineer for International Paper, overseeing 17 mills following the 1898 merger. He took over the Towers’ New York operations and continued to design mills internationally under the name George F. Hardy & Son. In a 1908 Congressional hearing, Hardy was recognized as "the famous paper and pulp mill architect of the East."
Another prominent figure was Hardy S. Ferguson, noted for independently designing the Great Northern Paper Company's mills—the largest globally at that time—signifying a major advancement in international mill engineering.
Two former employees held chief engineering positions at the Niagara Falls Hydraulic Power and Manufacturing Company: Arthur W. French, who later became an engineering professor at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and Daniel P. Jones, who managed and expanded the company’s facilities.
Joseph Wallace joined the firm in 1894 after David Tower retired, becoming Ashley Tower’s final junior partner. Wallace eventually established a prosperous millwright enterprise that included designing hydraulic plants for Kimberly Clark.
David H. Tower
David Horatio Tower (March 7, 1832 – December 22, 1907) was a distinguished architect and engineer specializing in civil and mechanical disciplines with significant contributions to the paper manufacturing industry. Born in Cummington, Massachusetts as the eldest of ten siblings, he began his professional journey apprenticing as a millwright at age thirteen.
Tower’s career focused on designing and engineering numerous paper mills, notably including the Crane Company’s Red Mill in Dalton, Massachusetts—a facility producing currency paper for both the United States Treasury and foreign governments. He also partnered with industrialist Byron Weston to develop mills located in Dalton and Windsor, Connecticut. His final major undertaking was with the Pioneer Mill & Company in Dalton.
His expertise extended beyond mill buildings to encompass mechanical components such as dams and waterwheels. Even after retiring, he provided consulting services alongside his son on projects like constructing the Egypt Reservoir dam and upgrading Dalton’s water system to improve fire protection connected to Weston’s mills.
Married to Margaret Young in 1859, Tower fathered one son named Walter Lamont. Despite standing an impressive 6 feet 6 inches tall, he was exempted from Civil War service due to scoliosis. Outside of engineering pursuits, Tower managed a farm called "Sunnyside," where he bred Jersey cattle.
Acknowledged as a prominent entrepreneur and leader within the paper industry, Tower was posthumously lauded by Hearst News Service as "the Paper King" and recognized among "the greatest paper manufacturers worldwide." He passed away at his Dalton farm in 1907 at age seventy-five and was buried locally.
Ashley B. Tower
Ashley Bemis Tower (June 26, 1847 – July 8, 1901) was a distinguished American architect and civil engineer, renowned for his specialization in industrial structures, especially paper mills. Originating from Windsor, Massachusetts, he was the youngest among ten siblings. After moving to Dalton, Massachusetts, he initially collaborated with his father before advancing his skills in carpentry and engineering under the guidance of his brother David in Holyoke.
In 1875, Tower wed Pamelia J. Fritts. By 1878, he had become a junior partner at D. H. & A. B. Tower, concentrating on millwright services and industrial architectural design. His competitive advantage was strengthened by two study trips to Europe, where he examined contemporary paper mill construction techniques.
| Patents | |
| US311212A | US620619A |
| Machine for Grinding Pulp from Wood January 27, 1885 |
Driving Connection for Paper Machinery March 7, 1899 |
Between 1881 and 1883, Tower held the position of City Engineer in Holyoke, where he implemented administrative improvements and designed the layout for Calvary Cemetery. He also served as a consultant for the American Sulphite Company. By 1892, he had joined the board of directors for Denver Paper Mills Company and played an instrumental role in advancing Highland Park through the Highland Park Improvement Company.
On January 1, 1892, Tower assumed full ownership of the firm before forming a partnership with George F. Hardy under the name A.B. Tower & Company, which lasted until Hardy’s exit in 1896. In 1897, Tower moved to New York City and established a partnership with civil engineer Joseph H. Wallace called Tower & Wallace, broadening their scope to include steel-framed office buildings alongside paper mill designs. This collaboration concluded in February 1901.
Tower was integral to assessing assets for the American Writing Paper Company trust founded in 1899 and contributed to several New York skyscraper designs toward the end of his career. At the time of his passing, he was engaged in planning a major mill facility in New Brunswick.
An active participant in the American Society of Civil Engineers and American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Tower also belonged to Canadian engineering organizations and was a noted freemason. He maintained personal interests including an art collection and horse stables.
Tower died unexpectedly on July 8, 1901, in Montclair, New Jersey due to heat prostration. Industry figures such as John A. Kimberly of Kimberly-Clark lauded him as "the prince of paper mill architects," recognizing his enduring influence on industrial architectural design. He was laid to rest at Oak Grove Cemetery in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Selected works
The projects listed below represent notable achievements by the Tower brothers during their collaboration. Their work reached an international scale with mills constructed across Japan, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, India, Mexico, and the United Kingdom.
Paper and Textile Mills
- Springfield Paper Company Mill, Rainbow, Connecticut (1864), designed by D. H. Tower
- Albion Paper Mill, Holyoke, Massachusetts (1869, demolished 2018), D. H. Tower
- Whiting Paper Company Mill No. 2, Holyoke (1869)
- Orono Pulp & Paper Mill, Orono, Maine (circa 1872)
- C. H. Dexter & Sons, Windsor Locks, Connecticut (1874), architect D. H. Tower
- Delaney & Munson Manufacturing Co., Unionville, Connecticut (1874)
- Chemical Paper Company Mill, Holyoke (1880), currently the primary facility for Hazen Paper Company
- Fairchild Paper Company Mill, Pepperell, Massachusetts (1880)
- Southworth Mittineague Mill, West Springfield (1880, since demolished)
- Winona Paper Mill, Holyoke (1880, demolished around 2014)
- Nonotuck Paper Mill, Holyoke (1881, demolished approximately 2011)
- Hampden Glazed Paper and Card Company, Holyoke (1882), still functioning under its original enterprise
- George R. Dickinson Mill, Holyoke (1882)
- A.S. Newcomb & Co. Mill, High Falls, New York (1883)
- Glens Falls Paper Company, Glens Falls, New York (1884), designed by D. H. Tower; presently the Finch Paper location
- Ticonderoga Paper and Pulp Mills, Ticonderoga, New York (circa 1884)
- Melchert & Cia - Fábrica de Papel de Salto, Salto, São Paulo, Brazil (1887), recognized as South America’s first industrial paper mill
- Parsons Paper Mill No. 2, Holyoke (1888, demolished in 2016)
- Hollywood Mill, Richmond, Virginia (1888)
- Denver Paper Mills Company, Denver, Colorado (circa 1890), commissioned by James H. Platt Jr.
- Kimberly-Clark Mills, Appleton, Wisconsin (1890)
- Madison Paper Mill, Madison, Maine (1890)
- Centralia Pulp Mill, Centralia, Wisconsin (1891), architects A. B. Tower and N. M. Edwards
- Shattuck and Babcock Paper Mill, De Pere, Wisconsin (1892)
- Norman Paper Company Mill, Holyoke (1892)
- Montague Paper Company Mill, Turners Falls (1896), currently operating as Southworth Turners Falls Mill
- William Cole Paper Mill, Putney Vermont (circa 1897), overseen by A. B. Tower
- Fletcher Paper Company, Alpena Michigan (1898)
- James River Falls and Paper Mills, Richmond Virginia (1899), designed by Ashley B. Tower
- Oxford Paper Mills, Rumford Maine (circa 1900), architects A. B. Tower; Tower & Wallace partnership
- Ste. Marie Pulp & Paper Co., Sault Ste. Marie Ontario (1900), designed by A. B. Tower; Tower & Wallace firm
- Rising Paper Mill expansion and reorganization at Housatonic Massachusetts (circa 1900)
- Nekonegan Paper Mill located in Old Town Maine
This collection highlights the Towers' pivotal role in shaping the paper and textile mill sector throughout North America and abroad during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Their architectural contributions supported client expansion efforts and enhanced their competitive positioning within the industrial manufacturing architecture landscape worldwide.
Civic and Commercial Projects
- Hinsdale Municipal Waterworks in Hinsdale, Massachusetts (1889)
- Cavalry Cemetery in Holyoke, Massachusetts (1882), designed by A. B. Tower
- Egypt Reservoir Dam in Dalton, Massachusetts (1894), architect D. H. Tower
- Hampden County Jail in Springfield, Massachusetts (1886; demolished circa 2011)
- Deane Steam Pump Company facility in Holyoke, Massachusetts (circa 1890)
- The Massasoit building in Holyoke, Massachusetts (1891), designed by A. B. Tower
- Thomas Hill Standpipe located in Bangor, Maine (1897), designed by A. B. Tower; partnership of Tower & Wallace
See also
External links
- Flatiron Building, Holyoke, Massachusetts, site of their previous office location
- Companies based in Holyoke, Massachusetts
- Defunct architecture firms based in Massachusetts
- Defunct engineering companies of the United States
- Pulp and paper industry
- American companies established in 1878
- 1878 establishments in Massachusetts
- Design companies established in 1878
- American companies disestablished in 1892
- 1892 disestablishments in Massachusetts
- Design companies disestablished in the 19th century
- Companies of the United States by year of establishment