CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Years ago, when damaged paper currency reached a point of being undesirable, they had a macerator machine that decomposed the paper either by steeping it in liquid or using a revolving-knives approach to shred it.

This method was in place from 1874-1942. The pulp products were then turned into souvenirs in the form of papier mâché novelties.

The process required one representative each from the offices of the treasurer, secretary of the treasury and the comptroller of the currency meeting with an appointed person who represented the general public.

The grinding began, under lock and key, to safeguard the currency and assure that the “pulp” would be utilized in molds or forms.

One of the most popular articles produced was a 3-inch paper medal of George Washington. It

See Full Page