The Racine Paper Goods Company was organized in 1894 by Orville L. Parmenter (1846-1929), Lucius J. Elliott, Byron R. Blake, and Richard J. Robinson. The firm began operations in 1896, and was incorporated in 1902 with Elliott as president, Robinson as vice-president, and Parmenter as secretary/treasurer. Its major product was a wax-lined coupon cigar pocket, which was manufactured until the introduction of cellophane in 1929 rendered it obsolete. Subsequently, the company manufactured protective paper packaging for glass items, particularly medical equipment, eggs, candy, and other fragile goods. Its most productive period was from 1920 to 1950, when the Racine company at times employed as many as 75 individuals, and a branch printing plant and factory was in operation in Toronto. After World War II, production declined and the numbers of employees decreased. Finally, unable to compete with larger and more efficient firms, the company ceased operations in 1968.
The Parmenter family owned and managed the Racine Paper Goods Company throughout its history. Orville Parmenter was succeeded as president in 1929 by his son, James M. (1878-1943). James, with his brother Henry Austin Parmenter, then ran the business until his death, when his daughter, Ruth E. Lorence (1907-1962), became president and treasurer. Her husband, Leonard F. Lorence (1906- ), served as production manager, and from 1962 to 1968, as company president.
