Appleton Post-Crescent: A History of Journalism in the Fox Cities
The story of the Appleton Post-Crescent is a reflection of the growth and political evolution of its community. From its origins as a partisan weekly to its current status as a regional news source, the publication has witnessed the transformation of Appleton from a small village into the heart of a bustling metropolitan area.
The Early Era of Partisan Press
The journey began in 1853, the same year Appleton officially became a village. That year, Samuel, James, and John Ryan established the Appleton Crescent. From its inception, the Crescent was a determinedly Democratic newspaper, adhering to Jacksonian Democratic politics—a philosophy emphasizing the common man and limited federal government.
This strong political stance did not sit well with local Republicans, leading to the creation of a rival publication. On August 18, 1859, F.C. Meade founded The Appleton Motor. Interestingly, the rivalry saw a familial twist when Francis Ryan, brother to the Crescent's founders, joined Meade's venture.
Rivalry and Resilience
For decades, the Crescent and the Motor remained bitter competitors, yet they demonstrated a surprising level of professional courtesy during times of crisis. In 1863, when the Crescent was severely damaged by what appeared to be arson, the Motor published an article condemning the attack.
The Motor underwent several changes in ownership and was renamed The Appleton Post in 1887. That same year, the Post faced its own disaster when its buildings were damaged. In a reversal of roles, donations from the Crescent provided the necessary funds to keep the Post in operation.
The Path to Merger and Expansion
The era of rivalry ended on February 2, 1920, when the Post and the Crescent merged to form the Appleton Post-Crescent. The first combined edition was published on February 10, 1920. With this merger, the editors made a strategic decision to move away from partisan leanings and no longer align with any specific political party.
The publication continued to grow, eventually purchasing the Twin City News-Record (a 1949 merger of the Menasha Record and the Neenah News Times). By 1964, the word "Appleton" was removed from the name to better reflect the newspaper's expanding reach beyond the city limits.
Defining the Fox Cities
Beyond reporting the news, the publication helped shape the regional identity. In 1953, publisher V.I. Minahan coined the term "the Fox Cities". This phrase has since become the standard way to describe the metropolitan Appleton area.
Key Facts
- Founded: The Appleton Crescent began as a weekly in 1853.
- Notable Alumni: Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Edna Ferber worked as a reporter for the Crescent for about 18 months between 1902 and 1903, starting at age 17.
- Merger Date: The Post and Crescent merged on February 2, 1920.
- Regional Impact: The term "Fox Cities" was created by publisher V.I. Minahan in 1953.
| Year | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1853 | Formation of Appleton Crescent | Established as a Democratic weekly. |
| 1859 | Formation of Appleton Motor | Created as a Republican alternative. |
| 1887 | Motor renamed Appleton Post | Occurred after several changes in ownership. |
| 1920 | Post and Crescent Merge | Created the non-partisan Appleton Post-Crescent. |
| 1964 | Name Change | "Appleton" removed to reflect broader regional reach. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the Appleton Crescent?
The Appleton Crescent was founded in 1853 by Samuel, James, and John Ryan.
What was the political leaning of the early newspapers?
The Appleton Crescent was determinedly Democratic, while The Appleton Motor was formed as a response by Republicans.
How did Edna Ferber connect to the newspaper?
The famed Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist worked as a reporter for the Appleton Crescent for approximately 18 months around 1902–1903, beginning her tenure at age 17.
When did the newspaper stop being partisan?
The publication moved away from political party alignment following the merger of the Post and the Crescent in February 1920.
Where did the term "Fox Cities" originate?
The term was coined in 1953 by V.I. Minahan, a publisher for the newspaper, to describe the metropolitan area surrounding Appleton.