Island County News History: From Early Rivalries to Modern Media
The landscape of local journalism in Island County, Washington, began with a spirit of competition and diverse perspectives. In the late 19th century, the region's news was shaped by small, independent publications that served as the primary source of information for residents of Coupeville and surrounding areas.
The Early Era of Competition
The story begins on March 21, 1890, when Charles W. Angel launched the first edition of the Island County Sun in Coupeville. This early dominance was short-lived, as the Island County Publishing Co. introduced a rival publication, the Island County Times, on March 17, 1891. The two papers offered distinct perspectives: the Times, published on Tuesdays, served as a political and religious alternative to the Sun, which was published on Saturdays.
This era of rivalry ended on June 1, 1894, when E. G. Earle, the former managing editor of the Walla Walla Union, purchased both publications and merged them under the name Island County Times.
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Ownership Transitions and Growth
The turn of the century brought a series of ownership changes for the Island County Times. D.C. Pearson acquired the paper in 1900, followed by B. J. White in 1905. By December of that same year, White sold the publication to W. T. Howard of Nebraska, who would lead the paper for 19 years before Beriah Brown took over in 1925.
The Rise of the Oak Harbor News
While the Times served one part of the county, H.L. Bowmer founded the Oak Harbor News on October 11, 1911. In 1917, the publication became the official organ of the Island County Farm Bureau and was renamed the Farm Bureau News. Even after the Bureau disbanded, the paper retained its name and continued its dedicated focus on the local farming community. Bowmer eventually sold the News to Al J. Whitney in 1923.
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Consolidation into the Whidbey News-Times
The 1930s marked a period of significant consolidation. George B. Astel purchased the Oak Harbor News in 1931 and later acquired the Island County Times and another publication in Langley. In August 1939, A. Glenn Smith and his wife Phyllis purchased the Whidbey Press Publishing Co. from Astel, bringing the Oak Harbor News, Island County Times, and the Whidbey Island Record under one umbrella.
The final merger of the primary local papers occurred on October 1, 1959, when the Times absorbed the Oak Harbor News to create the Whidbey News-Times. At the time of this consolidation, the two papers had vastly different reaches, with the Times maintaining a circulation of 600 and the News boasting 2,900 subscribers.
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Modern Ownership and Corporate Evolution
In February 1965, the Smiths sold their business to Wallie V. Funk and John J. Webber. The new owners brought experience from the Anacortes American, which they had sold to the Skagit Valley Herald three years prior. Funk and Webber managed the company for 23 years before selling it in January 1988 to David Holmes Black, the owner of Black Press.
The most recent chapter in this history occurred in 2024, when Black Press was acquired by the Carpenter Media Group.
Key Facts
- First Publication: The Island County Sun, established March 21, 1890.
- Major Merger: The Whidbey News-Times was formed on October 1, 1959.
- Circulation Gap: At the time of the 1959 merger, the Oak Harbor News (2,900) significantly outnumbered the Island County Times (600) in subscribers.
- Current Parent Company: Carpenter Media Group (as of 2024).
| Year | Event/Owner | Publication(s) Involved |
|---|---|---|
| 1890 | Charles W. Angel | Island County Sun |
| 1894 | E. G. Earle | Island County Times (Merged Sun & Times) |
| 1911 | H.L. Bowmer | Oak Harbor News |
| 1939 | A. Glenn & Phyllis Smith | Whidbey Press Publishing Co. |
| 1959 | Consolidation | Whidbey News-Times |
| 1988 | David Holmes Black | Black Press |
| 2024 | Carpenter Media Group | Black Press Acquisition |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which paper was the first to be published in Island County?
The Island County Sun, published by Charles W. Angel on March 21, 1890, was the first edition.
How did the Island County Times and the Island County Sun differ initially?
The Island County Times was published on Tuesdays and served as a political and religious alternative to the Island County Sun, which was published on Saturdays.
What was the Farm Bureau News?
It was the Oak Harbor News after it became the official publication of the Island County Farm Bureau in 1917, maintaining a focus on local farmers even after the Bureau disbanded.
When was the Whidbey News-Times formed?
The Whidbey News-Times was created on October 1, 1959, through the absorption of the Oak Harbor News by the Island County Times.
Who owns the publication today?
Following the acquisition of Black Press in 2024, the publication is now under the Carpenter Media Group.