Windows to the Past

Windows of the Past is an immersive educational program that explores local history through a series of curated “windows”—visual, interactive, and narrative snapshots that illuminate how people lived, worked, and evolved across different eras within our community. Each window serves as a portal to a distinct moment in time, allowing participants to experience history not as distant facts, but as living stories shaped by real human experiences.

The program weaves together guided storytelling, artifact analysis, multimedia presentations, and hands-on activities to help learners connect modern life with the cultures, innovations, conflicts, and traditions that shaped our town as it exists today. Through these windows, participants witness the progression of society—from the town’s earliest beginnings to industrial growth, from cultural transformation to modern technological change.

By the end of the experience, learners gain a deeper understanding of how the past informs the present. They begin to recognize recurring patterns, appreciate diverse perspectives, and develop a stronger respect for the community and its ongoing journey through time.

Windows of the Past invites participants to step through each window with curiosity, reflection, and a spirit of discovery. We encourage you to get on board and become involved. Whether you have an artifact, a family story, or historical knowledge connected to our community, your contribution matters. Share your history and insights with neighbors, visitors, and audiences across the United States and beyond, helping preserve and celebrate the story of our region for generations to come.

Volunteer's of all ages are capable of visiting and learning a new skillset. From painting, grinding, sanding, cutting or simply researching and archiving everyone gets an experience comfortable to their skillset and enjoyment.

Inspiring future generations by sharing the rich history and technology of railroading through hands-on learning and community engagemen

Preservation with hands-on experience

Preservation Through Education

Preserving the Past for Tomorrows Generation

We are committed to heritage, continuity and legacy safeguarding our history, culture and traditions today so that the future generations can learn from, cherish, and build upon them.

Duro Bag Manufacturing

Company Background and Growth

Duro Bag Manufacturing was founded in 1953 in Covington, Kentucky by S. David Shor as a privately owned paper bag company. From its early years, Duro focused exclusively on paper bags, allowing it to specialize, scale efficiently, and steadily expand. Under the leadership of Charles Shor, who became president and chief executive officer in 1987, Duro experienced its most significant period of growth. During this era, the company:

Expanded production capacity across multiple states
Acquired several major competitors, consolidating its position in the paper bag industry
Became the largest paper bag manufacturer in the world prior to its sale

This expansion elevated Duro from a regional Kentucky company into a dominant national manufacturer.

Duro's Presence in Ludlow, Kentucky

Ludlow became one of Duro’s key manufacturing locations due to its strategic advantages. Its proximity to Cincinnati, access to rail lines, and location along the Ohio River made it well‑suited for large‑scale industrial operations.

In Ludlow, Duro:
Provided stable, long‑term employmentfor hundreds of residents
Anchored the city’s industrial economyfor decades
Integrated deeply into daily life, with many families relying on Duro wages across generations

For Ludlow, Duro was not simply an employer; it was a defining institution that shaped work patterns, neighborhoods, and community identity.

Economic Impact on Ludlow

Duro’s Ludlow operations delivered sustained economic stability during much of the 20th century. Major economic effects included:

Middle‑class job creation, offering reliable wages and benefits
Support for local businesses, as employees spent income within the city
Municipal tax revenue, helping fund schools, infrastructure, and public services
Workforce development, particularly in skilled industrial and manufacturing roles

The plant helped buffer Ludlow against economic volatility that affected many other small industrial towns.

Social & Community Influence

All materials will be made available through the National Railway Historical Society’s webpage, ensuring open access to educators, students, and the public. These include: Curriculums: Structured lesson plans aligned with national education standards. Handouts: Worksheets, diagrams, and project guides for classroom and home learning. Student Handbooks: Age-appropriate guides introducing railway history, preservation practices, and STEAM connections. Poem Books: Collections of student-created poetry celebrating railroads, blending creativity with historical appreciation.

Middle‑class job creation, offering reliable wages and benefits
Support for local businesses, as employees spent income within the city
Municipal tax revenue, helping fund schools, infrastructure, and public services
Workforce development, particularly in skilled industrial and manufacturing roles

The plant helped buffer Ludlow against economic volatility that affected many other small industrial towns.

Acquisition and Corporate Transition

A major turning point occurred in July 2014, when South Carolina‑based Hilex Poly Co. LLCacquired Duro Bag Manufacturing. This ended more than 60 years of private family ownership. Following the acquisition:

Duro became a wholly owned subsidiary of Novolex
Novolex later came under ownership by Apollo Global Management
Charles Shor stepped down as CEO, closing a significant chapter in the company’s history

Despite the ownership change, Duro remained a major paper bag producer, employing over 1,800 workers across 11 facilities in the United States and Mexico, with its corporate office still located in Northern Kentucky.

Long Term Effects on Ludlow

As manufacturing trends shifted and operations evolved, Ludlow experienced the broader challenges faced by many industrial communities. Long‑term outcomes included:

Employment decline as production consolidated or modernized
Economic transition, requiring diversification beyond large‑scale manufacturing
Preservation of industrial heritage, with Duro remembered as a cornerstone of the city’s identity

Even after changes in ownership and production, Duro’s historical presence continues to influence how Ludlow understands its past.

Overall Significance

Duro Bag Manufacturing connected Ludlow, Kentucky to a national and global manufacturing network while providing decades of economic stability and social cohesion. From its origins as a family‑owned Kentucky company to its acquisition by Novolex and Apollo Global Management, Duro’s story mirrors the broader evolution of American manufacturing.

In summary, Duro’s impact on Ludlow was lasting and transformative—shaping jobs, neighborhoods, and community identity—while its corporate evolution reflects how a local Kentucky manufacturer grew into an industry leader with national reach.