ESCANABA – During World War II, the Escanaba Paper Company, now known as the Billerud Escanaba Mill, faced a labor shortage as many men left to serve in the military. To keep the mill operating, women were hired to fill vacant positions traditionally held by men.

The mill produced target paper, wallpaper and more for the military to support the war effort.

Women worked long hours in physically demanding jobs, such as operators, helpers on the paper machines, coaters and rewinders. Despite the challenges, they proved to be capable, resilient and determined.

One of these women was my mother, Beda LaFave/Thinglum, who worked in the sheeting and finishing department. They were responsible for cutting large rolls of paper into sheets and hand-wrapping them for shipment.

This woman is one of many who began working at the Escanaba Paper Mill during World War II during the labor shortage. (Photo courtesy of the Billerud Escanaba Mill)

The only mechanical pieces of equipment they had were the cutters, which cut the rolls down to sheets, and the trimmers, which trimmed the sheets to desired sizes. The rest of the work was done by hand, including wrapping the reams of paper.

My mother often spoke of how hard the women worked and how the men who remained at the mill supported them when help was needed.

Women earned .65 cents an hour, and my mother took great pride in saving one thousand dollars – a significant accomplishment during that era. Today, $1,000 would be almost $20,000.

When the war ended in 1945, most women voluntary gave up their jobs to make room for returning soldiers, many resuming roles as housewives. Their dedication and hard work were vital to the war effort, and they reflect the strength and sacrifice of the “Greatest Generation.”

The following establishments contributed to this story: Delta County Historical Society (Archives) and the Billerud Escanaba Mill.

In efforts to help the war effort, women stepped up at the Escanaba Paper Mill during World War II. (Photo courtesy of the Billerud Escanaba Mill)