Papermaker William Rittenhouse. Does the name ring a bell? Welcome to the Rittenhouse Homestead. This is more than just a building. It is the birthplace of American papermaking.
In 1690, William Rittenhouse and his son Nicholas built the first paper mill in British North America right here. It was located on the banks of Paper Mill Run. This stream is a tributary of the Wissahickon Creek.
William Rittenhouse, a German immigrant, wasn’t just a businessman. He was also the first Mennonite bishop in Germantown. His paper mill addressed a crucial need. All paper had to be imported from England back then.
Imagine Germantown-grown flax being woven into linen. Once those linens wore out, they were brought here to RittenhouseTown. The rags were then transformed into paper. The Rittenhouse family became the sole paper producers in America for 40 years.
The paper from the Rittenhouse mill was sold far and wide. Printers in Germantown, Philadelphia, and even New York City used it. Bibles and newspapers were printed on Rittenhouse paper. The Rittenhouse family paper was most widely used to produce German language bibles. These bibles were in high demand among the growing Mennonite population.
A flood destroyed the original mill around 1701. But, the Rittenhouse family quickly rebuilt. They added a new homestead and bake house. For 200 years, the Rittenhouse family lived and worked here.
By the mid-19th century, RittenhouseTown was a bustling industrial village. Over 40 buildings stood here. Residences, mills, a school, a firehouse, a general store and a smithy. All were part of this community. Rittenhouse Street became a vital link. It connected Germantown to the Rittenhouse mill.
William’s great-grandson, David Rittenhouse, was born at the Rittenhouse Homestead in 1732. He became a renowned mathematician, astronomer, and engineer. He even befriended Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin.
Interestingly, during the Battle of Germantown, George Washington ordered his soldiers to wear white paper on their hats. This identified them as part of the American army. It is very likely that paper came from none other than the Rittenhouse mill.
Today, Historic RittenhouseTown preserves six historic buildings. These buildings showcase colonial building methods. Most are built of stone and finished in stucco. The Rittenhouse Homestead stands as a reminder of early American industry. It is also a testament to the Rittenhouse family’s legacy. Their impact on papermaking and the surrounding community is still felt today.