A story by Brent Gay from 1960s-2017
Brent Gay talks about the evolution of the paper industry in Jay and his experiences over forty years working for the Androscoggin and Otis mills.
I worked for International Paper at the Otis and Androscoggin Mills. I saw a lot of changes over my decades of experience working as a Machine Tender at the mills. Working in the mills wasn't for everybody, but if you were going to stay in the area and wanted a good job, the mill was the place to be.
When I first started we were making wallpaper, moved to pin fed printer paper, and then carbon forms--nobody uses those anymore. The paper industry needs to change with the times.
