Snoqualmie Valley Record: A Century of Local Journalism
The Snoqualmie Valley Record stands as a testament to the evolution of community news in Western Washington. From its humble beginnings as a small-town publication to its transition into the digital age, the paper has documented the growth and spirit of the Snoqualmie Valley for over a century.
The Early Years and Consolidation
The roots of the publication trace back to October 16, 1913, with the launch of the North Bend Post in the Tanner district, east of North Bend. Established by B.N. Kennedy—who had previously founded the Bridgeport Post in 1904—the paper soon evolved. By 1913, it was renamed the Snoqualmie Post under the editorship of J.R. Walkup, serving the Upper Snoqualmie Valley.
In 1923, George Astel, a printer and publisher, entered the scene by creating the Snoqualmie Valley Record to support both the community and his own printing business. That same year, Astel acquired the Snoqualmie Post from H.W. Rodman and merged it into the Record. This consolidation led to an expansion of the Record's office to accommodate new machinery. In 1923, the paper was distributed for free, boasting a circulation of 1,500.
As George Astel shifted his focus toward building Craftsman Press, a statewide printing venture, his wife, Frances Harrison, stepped in as the business manager and editor-in-chief.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Growth and Literary Fame
The paper changed hands in 1928 when Robert Sawyer purchased it. Sawyer expanded the publication's reach, extending coverage as far as Duvall. To maintain a wide scope of news with a small staff of only two journalists, Sawyer relied heavily on letter correspondence from community members.
In 1944, the paper was sold to Dale Krebs, a Linotype operator (a specialist who operated a machine for casting lines of metal type) with extensive experience in weekly publications across Alaska, California, and Nebraska.
A significant chapter began in 1949 when Charlotte Paul Groshell and her husband, Ed Groshell, bought the newspaper for $30,000. During their tenure, Charlotte became a celebrated author. In 1955, she published the best-selling book Minding Our Own Business through Random House, which chronicled the couple's experiences owning and operating the Snoqualmie Valley Record. She later followed this with a sequel titled And Four to Grow.
Corporate Transitions and the Digital Shift
By the mid-1960s, the paper was acquired by Bob Scott, Sandie Scott, and Gaillard Buchman, who formed the Falls Printing Co. Bob Scott served as the publisher for 36 years until 1996, when the company sold the Valley Record to his daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Jim McKiernan.
The era of independent family ownership shifted in December 2000, when the paper was sold to King County Journal Newspapers, a company owned by the Horvitz family. In 2006, the publication was acquired by Sound Publishing, a regional publisher specializing in Western Washington newspapers.
The most recent major transition occurred on March 25, 2020. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sound Publishing announced a reduction in staffing and the indefinite suspension of the print edition, moving the Snoqualmie Valley Record to a digital-only format.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Founded: Originated as the North Bend Post on October 16, 1913.
- 1923 Merger: George Astel merged the Snoqualmie Post with the Snoqualmie Valley Record.
- Circulation: Reported 1,500 free copies in 1923.
- Notable Ownership: Charlotte Paul Groshell wrote a best-selling book about running the paper in 1955.
- Sale Price (1949): Purchased by the Groshells for $30,000.
- Current Status: Digital-only publication as of March 2020.
| Period/Year | Owner/Operator | Key Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1913 | B.N. Kennedy | Founded as North Bend Post |
| 1923 | George Astel | Merged Post and Record |
| 1928 | Robert Sawyer | Expanded coverage to Duvall |
| 1944 | Dale Krebs | Experienced Linotype operator ownership |
| 1949 | Charlotte & Ed Groshell | Purchased for $30,000; literary success |
| Mid-1960s | Falls Printing Co. | Bob Scott served as publisher |
| 1996 | Karen & Jim McKiernan | Family transition from Bob Scott |
| 2000 | King County Journal Newspapers | Acquired by the Horvitz family |
| 2006 | Sound Publishing | Regional consolidation |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the original name of the Snoqualmie Valley Record?
The paper originated as the North Bend Post, which began operations on October 16, 1913, before becoming the Snoqualmie Post and eventually merging into the Snoqualmie Valley Record.
Who wrote a best-selling book about the newspaper?
Charlotte Paul Groshell wrote the 1955 best-seller Minding Our Own Business, which detailed her and her husband Ed's experience operating the paper.
How did Robert Sawyer gather news with a small staff?
While he had two staff journalists, Sawyer supplemented his news coverage by receiving information through letter correspondence from the community.
When did the paper stop printing physical copies?
On March 25, 2020, Sound Publishing announced that the print version of the Valley Record would be suspended indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Who owned the paper before Sound Publishing?
The paper was owned by King County Journal Newspapers, a company owned by the Horvitz family, from 2000 until 2006.