Charles R. Seaborne, a nationally known authority on pulp and paper manufacturing, joined the staff of the Thilmany Pulp and Paper Company in 1918 as assistant engineer. In this capacity he was largely responsible for the redesign and rebuilding of No. 2 mill on the pulp mill site, an operation which more than doubled pulp and paper production. In l920 he designed and built the paper converting plant in Niagara Falls that was jointly owned by Thilmany and Kimberly Clark. He remained there until 1924 when Thilmany disposed of its interest in the plant.
Seaborne was then promoted to the position of chief engineer, after which he began the investigation and preliminary plans for the pulp and paper mill at Longview, Washington in which Thilmany was financially interested. After completion of the Longview plant, Seaborne returned to participate in the consolidation of company operation in Kaukauna. In 1940 he was named vice president, treasurer, and a member of the board of directors. In l950 he became executive vice president with full responsibility for all manufacturing operations.
During the mid 1930's Seaborne became interested in the control and development of the Fox and Wolf rivers, the subject ultimately becoming a virtual hobby for him. In 1937 Seaborne participated in the formation of the Fox River Water Power Users Association which contemplated construction of a reservoir on the river in order to maintain water levels. Seaborne recognized that a reservoir would not only prevent floods but that it would also control industrial wastes in the river. However, a survey concluded the cost of such a project was prohibitive, and the project was abandoned. In l939 Thilmany experienced a water shortage which forced the closing of their mills. This time Seaborne and the Fox River Water Power Users Association turned to the Wisconsin Legislature for assistance in constructing a reservoir at Lily. Although legislation which established the Wolf River Reservoir Company and authorized construction of a reservoir was signed by Governor Heil, costs again prevented further action.
Not until 1944 was Seaborne, by then vice president in charge of manufacture, able to revive interest in construction of a reservoir. The result this time was the formation of the Fox and Wolf River Control Association in 1945. The purpose of this organization included the elimination of flooding; the stabilization of river levels for municipal, domestic, and industrial use; and the elimination of water pollution. This organization proposed impounding the water of the upper Wolf River to prevent flooding and the release of water when needed during low water periods. It was also believed such a release of water would help flush toxic pollution out of the water.
