Bismarck Tribune

Monday, December 31, 2012

 

The longest-running newspaper still being published in the state is the Bismarck Tribune. It was established in 1873 by Clement A. Lounsberry, published at times weekly and at times daily. Serving as editor, Lounsberry broke the story on the Battle of Little Big Horn and the death of Custer and his men.

 

Fire was a constant threat to towns and buildings, especially in the early part of the 1900s. The Tribune survived several fires: one of these hit in 1920, coming on top of the troubles from World War I, a plague of influenza, and other hard times. However, the Tribune Company did rebuild, and at the end of December, it published a notice that it would move into a new building on Fourth and Thayer. The Tribune would remain there for many years, before moving to its current location on 7th and Front Street.

 

A notice, printed on this date in 1920 stated:

 

“This issue is the last [issue] for the year 1920, and the Tribune faces the New Year with greater zeal to serve the community better than in the past. Equipped in its new home with many labor saving devices, the Tribune company is in a position to serve its patrons better and to handle a greater volume of printing than was possible in the old quarters following the fire of last January.

 

“There will be no issue of the Tribune on New Years’ Day following a long established custom so that the employees of the company may be able to observe the day.

 

“The Tribune takes this opportunity of wishing its patrons a Happy and Prosperous New Year.”

 

A Happy New Year also to you Datebook aficionados!

 

Dakota Datebook by Sarah Walker

 

Sources:

The Bismarck Tribune, Dec. 31, 1920, p1

http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/calounsberry.htm

http://library.ndsu.edu/grhc/articles/magazines/articles/ndhistory.html

http://bismarcktribune.com/app/contact_us/

http://www.history.nd.gov/archives/cities/bismarck.html