Dobrush

The history of the town

Since 1560 Dobrush has been known as a village of Rechitsa district. After the 1st partition of Poland, it was included into the Russian Empire. Until 1834 the town was owned by count P. A. Rumyantsev-Zadunaisky, later known as Prince I. F. Paskevich. In 1870, his descendants established there a factory engaged in paper manufacturing. Since 1887 a railway station has been functioning in the town. 

Bridges over the river Iput

This pretty town is called the city of thirty bridges. The river splits into many branches here, forming islands and flows, which have intertwined the whole town. Many miniature bridges connect the neighborhoods of this wonderful town together. A huge variety of bridges which are situated in this lovely town cannot be seen in any other town of such a scale. The length of the beautiful river Iput is 437 000 m, the total length of the river system included 750 rivers is 4242 km.

Although the river is unnavigable, there is a way to supply industrial plants with water. A distinctive feature of the river is the dam. Besides, 4 bridges are built there: a wooden one, a bridge with a turbine and 2 more bridges made of concrete. The River Iput has always been one of the most beautiful rivers in our country. 

Dobrush regional Museum of Local Lore

The Museum is located near the Central Square. Despite the guns standing at the entrance, it is very hospitable for everybody.

In the 70-ies of the 19th century a school for the children of the factory workers functioned on the territory of Dobrush Paper Factory and it was the busiest one among all paper factories’ schools in Russia. In 1909 Paskevich built a new building of brick for the funds of Princess Irina Ivanovna. In 1910 vocational classes named after Emperor Alexander II were opened at that school.

After the revolution it functioned as a secondary school and a music school. There was also a children's creative center for some time in that building. And in 2002 the Museum of Local Lore was opened there.

In 2003 they began the enrichment of the Museum collections mainly from the collections of public museums of the area. The collection has been expanding during all this time.

You can observe there a huge historical period of the region from ancient times to the present day. The Museum conducts research work concerning the development of crafts in the region, the regional exceptions in the traditions of embroidery and weaving, the history of the paper factory evolution.

Dobrush paper factory

The company has a rich and exciting past. In 1849, Count I. F. Paskevich, a famous military figure of the Russian Empire, field Marshal, erected a factory to manufacture paper in this wonderful town. But he never managed to introduce his plans into reality. That was done by the Royal adjutant-General I. F. Paskevich, who was the Count’s heir. In 1870 he was invited to this picturesque place by foreign and Russian experts to create a factory, which later became the largest one in the whole Empire of Russia. In 1903 it was listed in the top ten greatest plants in the country as about 1000 people worked there at that time.

During the time of its existence the factory participated in the Russian industrial exhibitions twice: in 1882 in Moscow and in 1896 in Nizhny Novgorod. The social infrastructure of this marvelous town was also formed at the expense of the factory: a school, a hospital, a pharmacy were opened there as well as a choir and a brass orchestra.

In 1917 it was closed, and in 1919 the company was nationalized. In the 20-ies of the last century the factory has multiplied the production of its goods.  In October 17, 1922, it was awarded the title of "The Hero of labor".

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