Vanguard Newspaper: A History of Student Journalism at Portland State
The Vanguard stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of student journalism, evolving from a modest post-war publication into a comprehensive campus news source. Its journey mirrors the growth of its parent institution, reflecting the social and political shifts of the mid-20th century and the digital transformation of the 21st.
Founding and Early Years
Established in 1946, the Vanguard began as the official newspaper of the Vanport College Extension in Vanport, Oregon. The publication was launched on November 16, 1946, by founding editor Don Carlo, a blind military veteran. Initially, the paper operated under the temporary nameplate Vet's Extended.
The debut issue focused on student life, featuring a front-page story on student council elections and an editorial titled "The Spirit of a Student Body." This editorial highlighted the students' insatiable search for knowledge following the end of World War II, acknowledging that the school was created to alleviate congestion caused by the emergency of the era.
After considering and rejecting alternative names such as "Stooge" and "Aspect," the publication officially became the Vanguard on January 14, 1947, following a suggestion from Vaughn Albertson of the English Department, the paper's first faculty adviser.
Institutional Evolution and Growth
The history of the newspaper is inextricably linked to its institution. After a devastating flood on May 30, 1948, the Vanport College Extension relocated to downtown Portland, Oregon. The institution eventually transitioned into Portland State College and, ultimately, Portland State University.
In its early years, the Vanguard was a text-only weekly published every Wednesday afternoon. This format remained until November 1953, when the production day shifted to Friday. The publication's visual identity expanded significantly on January 28, 1954, with the appearance of its first photograph.
Conflict, Censorship, and Independence
The late 1960s marked a period of significant turmoil and growth for the paper. In early 1967, the editorial staff went on strike to protest budget and salary cuts imposed by the dean of students office, which then held financial control. The staff demanded a financial audit and a shift in governance to the Publications Board to remove the dean's responsibility for publications. The strike lasted one week, after which production increased to twice-weekly.
Controversy struck again on May 19, 1967, when the Vanguard published a nude photograph of beat poet Allen Ginsberg on its front page.
College President Branford P. Millar deemed the image "vulgar" and suspended the newspaper on May 24, 1967. In response, the staff launched the Independent Vanguard, publishing on May 31 and June 2. This independent venture was funded by donations from faculty members, led by Donald R. Moor of the Philosophy Department.
Modern Era and Digital Transition
As the university grew, so did the paper's output. During the 1990–91 academic year, the Vanguard increased its publication frequency to four days a week.
The digital age brought new challenges regarding editorial standards. On October 18, 2005, the paper published an opinion piece by Caelan MacTavish regarding the Arab-Israeli conflict and the religious divide over Jerusalem. Following concerns raised by the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting, the article was removed on October 27. An editorial published on October 28 admitted the column lacked sufficient editorial attention and did not contribute to an educated debate.
By the winter of 2008, the Vanguard embraced social media, launching a Twitter feed and a Facebook page to engage with the student body in real-time.
Key Facts
- Founded: November 16, 1946, as Vet's Extended.
- First Editor: Don Carlo, a blind military veteran.
- Name Change: Officially became the Vanguard on January 14, 1947.
- First Photo: Published on January 28, 1954.
- Major Controversy: Suspension in 1967 following the publication of a nude Allen Ginsberg photo.
- Digital Shift: Adopted Facebook and Twitter by winter 2008.
| Year/Date | Event/Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1946 | Founded as Vet's Extended at Vanport College Extension. |
| 1947 | Renamed the Vanguard. |
| 1948 | Relocation to downtown Portland following a flood. |
| 1954 | Introduction of the first photograph in the January 28 edition. |
| 1967 | Editorial strike and temporary suspension over Allen Ginsberg photo. |
| 1990-91 | Publication frequency increased to four days a week. |
| 2008 | Expansion into social media (Twitter and Facebook). |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the Vanguard and what was its original name?
The newspaper was founded by Don Carlo, a blind military veteran, on November 16, 1946. It was originally published under the temporary nameplate Vet's Extended.
Why was the newspaper suspended in 1967?
President Branford P. Millar ordered the suspension of the paper on May 24, 1967, after it published a nude photograph of beat poet Allen Ginsberg, which the president described as "vulgar."
How did the newspaper survive the 1967 suspension?
The staff created the Independent Vanguard, which was funded by donations from faculty members, most notably Donald R. Moor of the Philosophy Department.
What led to the 1967 editorial strike?
The strike was a protest against salary and budget cuts imposed by the dean of students office. The staff demanded a financial audit and that the paper be placed under the control of the Publications Board.
How has the Vanguard's publication frequency changed over time?
The paper began as a weekly publication on Wednesdays. It moved to Fridays in 1953, increased to twice-weekly after the 1967 strike, and eventually reached four days a week during the 1990–91 academic year.