The Champion Paper Co. was once the largest manufacturer of coated paper in the world. The mill first opened on the west side of Hamilton,Oh. in 1893. In November of 1898, the first train rolled in over the newly constructed Hamilton Belt line. Over the years, it was served by the C.H.& D., the B&O, CSX, and the Great Miami. The mill survived two major fires, (one in 1901 and one in 1913), floods, and the depression in the 1930s. But it wouldn't survive progress or the current economic situation. My first exposure to the mill came in the 70s as a kid with cab rides with the B&O crews switching it out. Years later, I saw an opening for engineer at the place. I applied and landed the job. Today, around 11 a.m., my boss and I pulled the last rail car off the property as the mill was shut down, presumably for good. We ended 114 years of continuous rail service. E.Clark-engineer L.Hubbard-brakeman R.I.P. Champion/Smart Paper. 1893-2012