An illustrated history of Skagit and Snohomish Counties; their people, their commerce and their resources, with an outline of the early history of the state of Washington, Part 83

Author: Inter-state Publishing Company (Chicago, Ill.)
Publication date: 1906
Publisher: [Chicago] Interstate Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 1172

USA > Washington > Skagit County > An illustrated history of Skagit and Snohomish Counties; their people, their commerce and their resources, with an outline of the early history of the state of Washington > Part 83
USA > Washington > Snohomish County > An illustrated history of Skagit and Snohomish Counties; their people, their commerce and their resources, with an outline of the early history of the state of Washington > Part 83

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THE EYE

After the suspension of the Star in 1879, the city of Snohomish was without a paper until January 11, 1882, when the first issue of the Eye appeared. It came partly in response to the encouragement lent such enterprises in timbered areas by the law requiring notices of final proof upon timber land to be published in the paper nearest to the tract sought to be purchased. It was a four-page, four-column weekly, not much larger than as many pages out of a large quarto volume, but it was all the advertising patronage

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justified. Its founders and editors were H. F. Jackson and C. H. Packard.

In their salutatory address, these gentlemen said: "We do not intend to apologize for the publication of the Eye-even if it is not at first so large as the New York Herald or the London Times-for it is but the natural result of the increasing demands of our people for a live county paper. If we do not succeed in supply- ing those demands in a manner that is acceptable to each and every one, it will not be our fault. As it is impossible to please all, we will try to please ourselves. An article may receive the approbation of a whole community, with but one exception, and that one will rave and tear around and call ns idiots, simply because we happen to write or copy from an exchange something that does not just suit his esthetic tastes. That's all right. We expect as much.

"We did not start this enterprise because time hung heavily on our hands, nor for the glory that is said to permeate the atmosphere surrounding a country newspaper office, but to make a paying success of it to our patrons, advertisers and ourselves.

"We will spare our readers the usual lengthy program of what we intend to do as a moulder of public opinion. But, before proceeding further, it will be well to remark parenthetically that in all questions which may come up, politi- cal and otherwise, we will be independent (not neutral), impartial and truthful.

"The Eye will keep a sharp lookout for the best interests and pleasures of the people of the territory in general and of this county in partie- ular, and we will endeavor to lay before our readers, in a newsy and readable manner, all matter of general interest. Its columns are open to all who couch their communications in re- spectfnl language, and avoid personalities.

"Thanking our friends and patrons, who have contributed beyond our expectations to the suc- cess of the enterprise, and with the earnest hope they will not be disappointed, we submit number 1, volume 1, of the Eye for inspection, and will with modest blushes listen respectfully to the compliments and comments expected to flow in return from advertisers, subscribers and ex- changes. "

Modest in its pretensions at first, the paper steadily improved in size and influence. In 1883, it was increased to a five-column folio with the length of columns considerably extended. Two years later the columns were again in- creased in length and two more added, making the paper decidedly larger than it had been and more than twice the size of its first number. In July, 1891, the most important advance of all was made, a tri-weekly edition being commenced, which was delivered in Snohomish by carriers. Subscription rates were five dollars per annum.

The Eye was issued by Jackson & Packard

until January 17, 1583, when Mr. Jackson retired. About the same time C. A. Missimer became interested in the paper, and his connection with it lasted until May, ISS4, at which time the partnership was dissolved and C. H. Packard became sole proprietor. A little later Charles F. Packard bought an interest, which he retained for a year, selling then to his brother, the senior partner of the firm. George E. MeDonald was prominently connected with the paper in 1591-2-3, but not as owner, or part owner. The Eye suspended publication in 1897. and the young man who had been editor for fifteen and a half years gave his attention to mining in the Cascades, though not deserting the newspaper business entirely.

During all the years of its existence the Eye was a valiant advocate of clean politics, and very outspoken in its condemnation of corruption in publie officials. Its editor was a true and ardent friend of what he conceived to be the best interests of Snohomish City and county. The files of this old paper are indeed valuable for the interesting side-lights they throw upon the developments, the current happenings and the political squabbles and campaigns which go to make up the history of Snohomish county.

SNOHOMISH TRIBUNE

The predecessor of the Tribune, the Snoho- mish Sun, was started in the summer of ISS'S, by the Sun Publishing Company, with George W. Head as manager. It must have received great encouragement as a weekly, for on July 5. 1859, when it was little more than a year old, it announced that in about two weeks the first issne of the Daily Sun would appear. "It will, " said the announcement, "in every way be a first class journal, containing the telegraphic despatches up to within a few minutes of going to press. Nothing will be left undone to make the editorial and local departments of the Daily Sun spicy, interesting and instructive. We can say without egotism, that, considering all things, this is the greatest undertaking in the history of the county and the results that will follow cannot be over- estimated. A brand new job plant, costing several thousands of dollars has been ordered, and will, in a few days, be in a position to turn out any kind of work brought to us. The first issue of the Daily Sun will be a large one, and will be distrib- uted free to every home in and around the city."

No one conversant with the situation would deny the magnitude of the undertaking, yet though the daily did not appear quite as soon as was expected, it did appear, and continued to make its appearance regularly for several years. A weekly was also published.

In March, 1891, the Sun Publishing Company sold to Mussetter Brothers, the plant, patronage and good will of their paper, and the purchasers

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announced that while they would always con- tribute their mite to the furthering of the inter- ests of the commonwealth, their primary aim would be to advance Snohomish county first, knowing that their own prosperity was the natural sequence of the prosperity of the county of their adoption.

No more eloquent commentary on the abound- ing prosperity of city and county could be found, than the fact that the daily was not only able to sustain itself, but in May, 1891, to increase its size to eight pages.

"A resident of Snohomish can truthfully assert," said the paper itself, "that it is the only city in the United States with a population of three thousand that has an eight-page daily paper in which all but three of the advertise- ments are contracted for by the year."

But the overflowing prosperity of the county, due to the inception and progress of railroad building, could not continue always and the Sun was eventually compelled to content itself with a tri-weekly instead of a daily edition, the weekly, of course, being continued as formerly. Late in July, 1892, the Sun plant passed into the hands of Ed. E. Warner, whose first issue appeared August 2d. The politics of the paper, which had always been Republican, remained unchanged, but the name Tribune was substi- tuted for Sun, and by that name the paper has ever since been known. With the change of ownership came no change in editorial control, George W. Head remaining in charge as for- merly.

March 14, 1893, Head and M. J. Hartnett assumed control, but about the first of the ensuing July, the connection of the former with the Tribune ceased entirely, and Hartnett became soliciting agent for the owner, Ed. E. Warner.

Gorham & Clemans purchased the paper October 21st of the same year, and from that date until 1896, the year of the strenuous free silver campaign, the two continued to edit it jointly. Then, however. joint-editorship became no longer possible; as Mr. Clemans identified himself with the advocates of free coinage, while Mr. Gorham supported the St. Louis platform in its entirety, gold standard plank and all.

It became necessary for Mr. Gorham to assume the entire editorial management of the paper, while Mr. Clemans, though retaining his interest, devoted himself to mining matters. Their partnership was finally dissolved in Sep- tember, 1898, when C. W. Gorham became sole proprietor.

The next change of management came in 1899. Mr. Gorham announced in the issue of July 28th that he had sold the paper to W. H. Dopp and Richard Buschell, Jr., of Seattle, and that with feelings of mingled pain and pleasure he would bid farewell to journalism for a time at least. But in the Tribune of November 9, 1900,

his name again appears at the head of the editorial column, and he continued in full charge until the duties of the office of state printer, to which he was elected in November, 1904, made it necessary for him to withdraw. He is still owner of the paper, but has entrusted the local management to J. F. Seaman. Mr. Gorham is also proprietor of the Index Miner, a paper devoted especially to the mineral interests of the Cascades.

EVERETT DAILY HERALD

As is the case with so many successful news- papers, the story of the Herald is a tale of the survival of the fittest, for it has been built upon the ruins of other aspiring but not entirely suc- cessful journals. In perhaps no other line of business is this merger process more marked than in journalism for many good reasons patent to every able newspaper man and not necessary to here discuss.

In the fall of 1891, WV. B. Shay, formerly owner and publisher of the Marysville Leader, came to Snohomish City during the lively period in that town just preceding the Everett boom, and commenced the publication of the Snoho- mish Republican. The following year, March 3d, J. WV. Frame established the Democrat, on the ruins of the Republican and for some months devoted himself personally to its publication. However, the next February, Representative Frame turned the management over to Major B. F. Smythe and a little while afterward the plant was leased to Smythe and Charles Morath. About the same time that the Republican came into existence, J. W. Gunn issued the first number of the Independent at Snohomish. Both papers remained at Snohomish only a compar- atively few years, removing one after the other to the growing city of Everett. A merger soon followed, the new paper coming out as the Inde- pendent, which became a very substantial and able journal, though the succeeding years were dark ones in Everett's history and the life of a newspaper was more uncertain than the weather.

Then came the Everett Daily Herald, S. A. Perkins, the Tacoma syndicate man, publisher, and S. E. Wharton, now of the Everett Morning Tribune, editor. This new bidder for the favor of the public absorbed the old Independent, thus ending the career of that sheet. The first num- ber of the Daily Herald appeared Monday, February 11, 1901, and the first issue of the weekly, February 16, 1901. At one jump Everett secured a cosmopolitan paper of eight pages and with excellent press service. The Herald offices were at 2816 Rucker avenue, in the very heart of the business district of the city. Everett was then enjoying its second especially prosperous period and in the marked revival following the years of depression the Herald

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secured its full share of business. In June, 1903, F. E. Wyman, formerly of Duluth, assumed the editorial management of the Herald, and uuder his able, reliable guidance the Herald continued its forward movement. September 1, 1905, a syndicate of Everett business men at the head of which was James B. Best, who had been business manager of the Herald for some time previously, organized the Daily Herald Company and pur- chased the property from Mr. Perkins. The purchase included a handsome steel and pressed brick building, erected in 1903 at the corner of Colby avenue and Wall street, costing $25,000, which is occupied by the Herald and Tribune offices. Mr. Best was elected president and manager of the new company and Thomas J. Dillon, formerly with the St. Paul Globe, suc- ceeded Mr. Wyman as editor.

In addition to the substantial home occupied by the Herald, said to be the first newspaper on Puget sound to have erected its own building, the company possesses one of the most complete plants in the state, though it is exceeded in size by a few others. It includes a battery of three linotypes, a double feed Dispatch news press, and a new Miehle book press, costing three thou- sand dollars. the finest type of book press manufactured. The Herald owns the franchise in Everett for the evening service of the Asso- ciated Press and with the Post-Intelligencer, of Scattle, controls the morning franchise. In July, 1905, the sworn circulation of the daily was given by the publishers at four thousand two hundred and fifty, which speaks highly of the rapid strides this journal has made during its short existence and is a fine testimonial to its popularity. Since its inception the Herald has been a staunch advocate of Republicanism.

THE MORNING TRIBUNE

Everett's morning daily is the Tribune, S. E. Wharton editor, published by the Morning Tribune Company, of which Mr. Wharton is president and W. R. Connor, vice-president and manager, E. E. Perry acting as secretary. It is an eight-page sheet, issued every day in the week except Monday, using a private telegraphic press service from the main news centers of the West, and affording a local service such as one might expect to find in a daily with such a field around it. Politically, the Tribune is Repub- lican.

The Tribune is the outgrowth of the old Evening Record, established in the fall of 1900 as the successor of the Everett Times, one of the city's trio of pioneer journals, the others being the old Herald and the News. Thus, in this way, the Tribune may trace back its lineage to the year 1591, in December, when the bay side district of Everett did not have half a dozen business houses on it. The history of the Times

is given elsewhere in this chapter. B. F. Sher- wood, receiver of the Record, sold the property at receiver's sale, June 17, 1905, to S. E. Wharton, formerly editor of the Daily Herald. Mr. Whar- ton changed the name to the Morning Tribune upon resumption of publication of the paper after fire had seriously damaged the plant, July 4th. At that time the Record was being pub- lished in the basement of the Colby building on flewitt avenue. From the Colby block the new Tribune went into the Ilerald building, where it is still located, occupying handsome, commodious quarters in this fine block. October 1, 1905, the Morning Tribune Company was incorporated with S. E. Wharton as president as heretoforc stated.

The Tribune leases the linotype machines and press of the Herald at night, but has its own composing rooms. A private news service from the various large centers of the West furnishes the most important news to its subscribers, while the local field is closely covered. Sundays from twelve to sixteen pages are issued. The ener- getic, skilful policy adopted by the management is bearing fruit for the advertising and subscrip- tion patronage is steadily increasing.

THE LABOR JOURNAL.

The official paper of the Everett Trades Council and the successor of one of the city's oldest newspapers is the journal whose name forms the caption of this review. The Everett News was founded by J. W. Connella at Swal- well's Landing, toward the close of the year 1890, and early attained the reputation of being an able newspaper devoted to the upbuilding of the new metropolis on the sound. Mr. Connella remained the leading spirit of the journal for many years. The present News Publishing Company is owned by A. J. Morrow; the editor of the Journal being M. W. Sills, who is also president of the Trades Council. The Journal appears every Thursday and is published in com- modious offices in the Greenberg block, 2902 Wetmore,avenue. The usual size of the Journal is a six-column folio and, as might be expected, its typographical work is of an exceptionally high standard.

ARLINGTON TIMES

The Arlington Times, which on the 15th of July last issued the thirty-eighth number in its sixteenth volume, was founded at Stanwood as the Stillaguamish Times, by George Morrill, who moved to Haller City in 1890. From that date until 1891 it was published under the name of the Haller City Times. Early in its carcer it bought out the Star, the pioneer paper of Arlington, thus acquiring for its own the entire field of the upper Stillaguamish. In 1594, it was purchased

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by C. L. Marsh, who has ever since been its proprietor and publisher.

When the Times moved to the Forks, that region was in its infancy, and for a brief period, the paper had to content itself with the shelter of a tent. It antedated the Star, the pioneer paper of Arlington proper, of which the well- known newspaper man, George W. Frame, was one of the moving spirits. Its files contain a practically complete record of the upper Still- aguamish country from the advent of the railroad to the present time. It has chronicled the varions happenings among the pioneer citizens; their successes and failures, the accidents which befell them, their social pleasures, the births, deaths and marriages among them, etc., etc. Even the history which was made before its advent has been quite fully preserved by the publication of réminiscences from the pens of the oldest residents and by reporting the pro- ceedings of pioneer reunions and the like.

Thoroughly familiar with the past of his town and section, familiar also with its great resources, developed and undeveloped, and in close sympathy with the genius of its people, the editor of the Times is certainly well equipped for the duty which lies nearest his hand, while a firm faith in the future of the country makes him an enthusiastic advocate of a boldly progres- sive policy along all lines.

MONROE MONITOR

The pioneer paper of the thriving town of Monroe is the Monitor, a four-page, six-column weekly, all printed at home. It was established January 14, 1898, by Major B. F. Smith, as a four-page, five-column weekly. About a year later it passed into the hands of E. C. Bissell, its present proprietor and editor. The plant is equipped with a Vaun's Ideal hand press, two job presses, an abundant stock of type, etc. The paper is loyally devoted to the interests of Monroe and vicinity, but strives to be duly rep- resentative of the whole county and to give its readers a synopsis of general news. In politics, it maintains an independent stand.

THE WASHINGTON TRANSCRIPT

This is a new paper recently established in Monroe, but its founders and publishers, G. W. and H. P. Head, are well known to the news- paper fraternity of Snohomish county and the sound. The Transcript is an eight-page, six- column, patent-inside weekly, Republican in politics. It is printed in large clear type and presents an attractive appearance. Its news columns are well filled, while the abundance of advertising which adorns its pages proclaims its popularity among the local business men as a medium of publicity.

GRANITE FALLS POST

Established July 25, 1903, by Frank Niles and A. R. Moore in the little village of Granite Falls, the Post in the short time that has elapsed since that date has made a most excellent record. It has kept pace with the progress of the town and has taken no small part in forwarding that progress. Its columns are filled with news, alert, ever looking toward the moral and com- mercial progress of the community and its adver- tising columns indicate that it is strongly supported by the people. The plant, occupying a building by itself on Main street, is well equipped for a country office. Politically, the Post is independent. Although founded by Niles & Moore, the enterprise was conducted by Niles alone, by Messner Brothers and by R. G. Messner successively until July, 1905, when the present firm composed of Frank Niles and R. G. Messner took it. Mr. Niles has charge of the editorial department, Mr. Messner of the me- chanical. Both are young men of energy and ability.

INDEX MINER

C. W. Gorham publishes the Miner, now in its seventh volume, which is a little weekly reflecting the doings of the community and advertising to the world the resources possessed by that mining and lumber center. The printing is done at Snohomish.

STANWOOD TIDINGS

Of several newspapers which have so hope- fully aspired to permanence at Stanwood, only the Tidings survives. It may, indeed, be con- sidered the successor of the others.

The Times was Stanwood's first paper. It was founded late in the year 1889 by George Morrill, an enterprising young man, who made of it a bright, influential little weekly. About two years later, Editor Morrill concluded that the newly opened Arlington region further up the Stillaguamish offered better business advan- tages, so removed the plant to that point.

In the fall of 1890, F. S. and Dwight Stevens placed another paper in the Stanwood field left vacant by the removal of the Times, but this journal had only a short life, though a life by no means devoid of useful accomplishment. Then in 1897 the Press appeared, and for several years was published by different ones, among the last being O. S. Van Olinda in 1902. But it, too, went the way of its predecessors. The Post was another product of the early nineties.

The Tidings appeared about June 1, 1903, its founders being Lane & Clemens, the latter, H. A. Clemens, acting as manager and editor. Mr. Clemens has since succeeded to the entire owner- ship of the paper. The columns of the Tidings

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reflect graphically the enterprise and thrift of the community, in both news and advertising departments, while the typographical work is highly meritorious. In size the Tidings is a six- | column folio, all printed at home. In political complexion, it is Republican. The plant and office occupy a comfortable frame building on | Main street.

Mrs M. T. B. Hanna and edited by F. H. Darling, reflects the social and religious life in and about that progressive Snohomish county town. Two features make the Review unique in local journalism, the fact that it is managed by a lady, and that its home is out over the waters of Puget sound, the office being in the city wharf building.

The Review was established Friday, August 5, 1904, by Richard Bushell, Jr. He guided its destinies during the first five months, until it came into the hands of its present publisher. Politically the Review is independent. At pres- ent the mechanical work is done in Everett, though a plant will doubtless be installed at Edmonds soon.

THE MARYSVILLE GLOBE,

the sole occupant of the journalistic field in the substantial city of Marysville, was founded by T. B. Hopp, February 2, 1892, and since that date has appeared continuously. Mr. Hopp dis- posed of the business a year later to Steve Saunders, who guided its destinies for nearly eight years, the most discouraging period of its life. The great financial panic threatened to end its existence again and again, but still its doughty publisher held fast until at last pros- perity dawned. In November, 1901, Richard Bushell, Jr., arranged to purchase the plant, but in May. 1904, withdrew from the business, being succeeded by Frank Tallman. Mr. Tallman remained in possession of his lease until the fol- lowing October, when it was turned over to (). I .. Reynolds and George D. Reynolds. Four months later the latter retired, leaving the busi- ness in sole possession of Mr. Anderson, who is still editor and publisher. He was formerly engaged in publishing, and came to Marysville from Seattle. In addition to his newspaper work he is also filling the pulpit of the local Congregational church. . In the hands of this experienced, talented man, the Globe is a worthy paper, editorially as well as typographically. 1t

is ever exercising to its best ability those func- tions peculiar to the newspaper. Politically it is independent, though from its birth until recently it had been Republican.

The Globe occupies a neat office on the main

business street of Marysville, and is well equipped with presses, type, paper cutter and other accessories of a country establishment. The old plant, together with all of the files, was destroyed by fire, excepting two forms of type, in February, 1902.

SULTAN STAR

THE EDMONDS REVIEW, Like most thrifty towns of its size, Sultan has its hustling weekly newspaper, in this case the an eight-page, five-column weekly, published by | Star, a four-page folio, six columns wide. John

A. Swett, formerly of Snohomish and one of the county's pioneers, although a comparatively young man, established the Star, September 1. 1905. Its columns are newsy, interesting and wholly devoted to portraying the life of the sur- rounding community and to promoting the best interests of Sultan and the public generally.

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An illustrated history of Skagit and Snohomish Counties; their people, their commerce and their resources, with an outline of the early history of the state of Washington, Part 83

Author: Inter-state Publishing Company (Chicago, Ill.) Publication date: 1906 Publisher: [Chicago] Interstate Publishing Company Number of Pages: 1172

Author: Inter-state Publishing Company (Chicago, Ill.)
Publication date: 1906
Publisher: [Chicago] Interstate Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 1172