About Us
The history of Crane encompasses 250 years of experience and craftsmanship. Learn more about Crane, Crane heritage, and how it expanded worldwide.
Share Your Voice
Share Your Voice
We believe everyone has a second voice. A voice only found on paper.
It may take a moment to come to you, but what you say with it will never fade.
Our aim has always been to help you reach beyond limitation and stir your senses in discovering and sharing this voice.
By giving it color, shape, weight, and texture.
By adding a formal or friendly accent, an inviting or insightful tone.
By making it simple to say anything you wish, in a way that’s impossible for anyone to forget.
People across the world choose Crane stationery to find their second voice; to express themselves authentically and memorably by putting pen to thoughtfully crafted paper.
With each invitation you send or letter you write, you’ll see that our craftsmanship is second-to-none—because it’s been 250 years in the making.
By making it simple to say anything you wish, in a way that's impossible for anyone to forget.
People acroos the world choose Crane stationery to find their second voice; to express themselves authentically and memorably by putting pen to thoughtfully crafted paper.
With each invitation you send or letter you write, you'll see that our craftsmanship is second-to-none because it's been 250 years in the making.
the history of crane
When you reflect upon your past, it’s easy to see how individual moments aligned to lead you to where you are now.The same is true for the rich Crane heritage; from our very first customer to our modern-day worldwide presence, every moment in Crane’s storied history played a role in establishing our values, our craftsmanship, and the elegant, quality products you hold in your hands today.
the history of crane
When you reflect upon your past, it’s easy to see how individual moments aligned to lead you to where you are now.The same is true for the rich Crane heritage; from our very first customer to our modern-day worldwide presence, every moment in Crane’s storied history played a role in establishing our values, our craftsmanship, and the elegant, quality products you hold in your hands today.
1770:
Entrepreneur Stephen Crane establishes the Crane paper business and purchases the Liberty Paper Mill. One of his early customers: Paul Revere, who uses the paper to print the American Colonies’ first paper money—the inaugural thread of Crane’s presence in the fabric of American life.1779:
Stephen Crane’s son, Zenas, opens a new mill location on the Housatonic River in Dalton, Massachusetts, forever ingraining Crane in the vibrant culture of the Berkshires.
1801:
Zenas Crane formally establishes Crane & Co.—the beginning of the Crane you know today.Primarily a producer of banknote paper, Crane begins printing currency for local and regional banks and, ultimately, the U.S. government. Crane stands out for its innovative printing method that deters counterfeits.
1801:
Zenas Crane formally establishes Crane & Co.—the beginning of the Crane you know today.
Primarily a producer of banknote paper, Crane begins printing currency for local and regional banks and, ultimately, the U.S. government. Crane stands out for its innovative printing method that deters counterfeits.
1865:
Zenas Crane, Jr., the son of Zenas Crane, aims to revitalize the Bay State Mill—a papermaking mill that had previously failed and stood idle. He travels to Europe to study the latest coloring and embossing techniques and uses that knowledge to equip the mill for upscale stationery production. A swift success, Crane becomes a marquee papermaker, supplying paper for luxury brands like Tiffany’s of New York, as well as invitations to historic events, such as the inauguration of The Statue of Liberty.
With the arrival of the postal services and growing enthusiasm for paper correspondence, word of Crane’s craftsmanship and effortless elegance travels across the Atlantic and generates devotees across Europe.
1900s:
Now a leader in social stationery, Crane shares its expertise and encourages proper correspondence by publishing the first of many books on stationery etiquette.American icons continue to choose Crane for their correspondence needs: The Golden Gate Bridge inauguration invitation, the Roosevelts’ Christmas cards, and sympathy acknowledgements from Jackie Kennedy are all printed on Crane stationery.
1900s:
Now a leader in social stationery, Crane shares its expertise and encourages proper correspondence by publishing the first of many books on stationery etiquette.
American icons continue to choose Crane for their correspondence needs: The Golden Gate Bridge inauguration invitation, the Roosevelts’ Christmas cards, and sympathy acknowledgements from Jackie Kennedy are all printed on Crane stationery.
2000s:
A staple worldwide, Crane stationery serves as the medium of choice for everything from The Queen Mother’s 100th birthday invitations to Jimmy Fallon’s weekly “Thank You Notes” segment.2016:
Separating from the currency division, Crane Stationery becomes a stand-alone business, committed to writing the next chapter in a long history of paper and innovation.
2018:
Crane joins the Mohawk Fine Paper family. Like Crane, Mohawk was built on generations of fine papermakers and values beautiful and high-quality paper products. A well-matched partnership, the companies come together to become the preeminent team of paper craftsmen.
2018:
Crane joins the Mohawk Fine Paper family. Like Crane, Mohawk was built on generations of fine papermakers and values beautiful and high-quality paper products. A well-matched partnership, the companies come together to become the preeminent team of paper craftsmen.
2024:
Moving forward under new stewardship, we continue as your premier destination for exquisite stationery and unparalleled craftsmanship Building upon our legacy of excellence, we continue to uphold the highest standards of quality, innovation, and timeless elegance.
TODAY:
Our team of dedicated artisans and designers are passionate about their craft, ensuring that every product bearing the Crane name is of the highest quality. Whether you're commemorating life's milestones or making a statement in the business world, Crane Stationery is here to help you make your mark with style and sophistication. Join us as we embark on this exciting new chapter, where tradition meets innovation, and every day is an opportunity to create something truly extraordinary.
TODAY:
Our team of dedicated artisans and designers are passionate about their craft, ensuring that every product bearing the Crane name is of the highest quality. Whether you're commemorating life's milestones or making a statement in the business world, Crane Stationery is here to help you make your mark with style and sophistication. Join us as we embark on this exciting new chapter, where tradition meets innovation, and every day is an opportunity to create something truly extraordinary.
OUR PAPERS
Crane’s high quality paper is made from cotton for premium softness and texture.
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Etiquette rules have changed over the years, and today, etiquette looks different
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Various printing techniques can add personality to your correspondence.
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