Paper was manufactured here by 1795 on the site of a colonial forge and sawmill, making it one of the first mills to use the power of the west branch of the Rahway River. Despite fire and changing times, the mill continued until 1926. In 1934, through the vision and dedication of Antoinette Quinby Scudder, the Paper Mill Playhouse was founded and the building was remodeled. The Playhouse opened with theatrical productions in 1938 under Miss Scudder's guidance, with Frank Carrington as producer. It operated continuously from 1938 until January 14, 1980, when fire destroyed the theatre. The rebuilt theatre opened on October 30, 1982 and continues to provide performing and visual arts of the highest quality as one of the country's leading regional theatres, committed to educating, entertaining, and enriching its audiences.
