Times Argus: A History of Vermont Journalism
The Times Argus stands as a cornerstone of local reporting in Vermont, serving as the unified voice of two historic publications. Born from the merger of the Barre Daily Times and the Montpelier Evening Argus, the newspaper reflects a long tradition of community-focused journalism and family ownership that spans over a century.
The Foundations of the Barre Daily Times
The roots of the publication trace back to March 16, 1897, with the founding of the Barre Times by Frank E. Langley. A printer from Wilmot, New Hampshire, Langley and his wife operated the paper from their own home. The publication was guided by a strict local-first philosophy, described as "Barre first and the rest of the world after." The first edition was sold for just one cent.
Over time, the business evolved from a family operation into a partnership. In 1917, Langley encouraged his employees to become partners. Following his death in 1938, six men became shareholders, including Alex Walker. By 1958, Walker had bought out his partners, setting the stage for a major expansion of the business.
The Legacy of the Montpelier Argus
While the Barre Times grew, the Montpelier Argus was carving its own path. It began in 1863 as a weekly publication called the Argus-Patriot, founded by Hiram Atkins. After the death of Hiram in 1893, his son Morris took ownership, eventually transitioning the paper to a daily format on October 30, 1897, also priced at one cent per edition.
The paper remained in the family through the 1940s when Morris passed ownership to his daughter, Elaine. During the World War II era, the Argus was notable for employing an all-female reporting staff. One such journalist, Doris Jones, joined the staff in 1945 and remained with the publication until 1995.
The Merger and Family Ownership
On August 29, 1959, Alex Walker purchased the Montpelier Argus, which was struggling financially at the time due to a dilapidated building and an antiquated press. The following day, August 30, 1959, the first combined Barre-Montpelier Times Argus was published.
The ownership of the merged entity shifted in 1963 when Walker sold the paper to Gene Noble and Robert W. Mitchell, the owners of the Rutland Herald. The Mitchell family maintained a strong influence over the publication for decades; Robert's son, R. John Mitchell, became publisher in 1979, and the Mitchells bought out the Noble family in 1986.
By 2015, leadership transitioned as R. John Mitchell handed publishing duties to Catherine Nelson, the paper's CEO and vice president. R. John remained as president and chairman of the board, while his son, Rob Mitchell, stepped in as editor-in-chief.
Modern Transitions and Ownership Changes
The landscape of the publication changed significantly in 2016 when the Times Argus and the Rutland Herald were sold to Chip Harris of New Hampshire and Reade Brower of Maine. This transition occurred shortly after both newspapers reduced their publication frequency from daily to four days per week.
In 2018, the ownership shifted again when Brower and Harris sold both the Times Argus and the Rutland Herald to the Sample News Group. More recently, in 2020, the company ceased printing the Waterbury Reader, a free community paper that had been offered for two years.
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Key Facts
- Founded: The Barre Times (1897) and Argus-Patriot (1863).
- Merger Date: August 30, 1959.
- Original Price: One cent for the first editions of both founding papers.
- Historic Staffing: The Montpelier Argus featured an all-female reporting staff during World War II.
- Current Parent Company: Sample News Group (acquired in 2018).
| Period | Owner/Publisher | Key Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1897 – 1958 | Frank E. Langley / Shareholders | Founding and growth of Barre Times |
| 1863 – 1959 | Atkins Family | Founding and growth of Montpelier Argus |
| 1959 – 1963 | Alex Walker | Merger of the two publications |
| 1963 – 2016 | Mitchell and Noble Families | Long-term family ownership |
| 2016 – 2018 | Reade Brower and Chip Harris | Shift to 4-day publication cycle |
| 2018 – Present | Sample News Group | Current ownership |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Times Argus officially begin?
The combined Barre-Montpelier Times Argus was first published on August 30, 1959, following the merger of the Barre Daily Times and the Montpelier Evening Argus.
Who founded the original Barre Times?
The Barre Times was founded by Frank E. Langley, a printer from New Hampshire, who launched the first edition on March 16, 1897.
What was unique about the Montpelier Argus during World War II?
During the World War II era, the Montpelier Argus employed an all-female reporting staff.
Where is the Montpelier office located?
The office is located at 112 Main Street in Montpelier, the same building that once housed the original Argus. It currently houses the Montpelier reporter and the Vermont Press Bureau.
Who currently owns the Times Argus?
The Times Argus is currently owned by the Sample News Group, which purchased the paper in 2018.