Binford & Mort: A Legacy of Pacific Northwest Publishing
The story of Binford & Mort is inextricably linked to the cultural and literary development of the Pacific Northwest. From its humble beginnings in the printing shops of the late 19th century to becoming the largest publisher in the region, the company has spent over a century documenting the history, geography, and literature of Oregon and its neighboring states.
The Early Years: From Printing to Publishing
The company's roots trace back to brothers Maurice M. Binford (born 1878) and Peter A. Binford (born 1876). After moving from Indiana to Klickitat County, Washington, in 1884, Peter entered the printing industry working for his brother-in-law, Frank Lee. By 1891, both brothers had relocated to Portland to work at Lee's Metropolitan Printing Company, which they eventually purchased in 1899.
In 1930, the brothers expanded their operations by establishing Metropolitan Press, a publishing house dedicated to Northwest books. They focused primarily on history titles, blending new works by local Oregon authors with reprints of public domain texts. Early contributors to their catalog included Frederic Homer Balch, Howard McKinley Corning, Charles Henry Carey, and Thomas Nelson Strong. This venture established the firm as the first large-scale publisher in Oregon.
Growth and National Recognition
The Great Depression provided an unexpected catalyst for growth. The company acquired the rights to print the American Guide Series—guidebooks created by the Works Progress Administration's (WPA) Writers Project—for Oregon, Washington, Nevada, and Utah. These publications proved highly profitable and increased the company's visibility.
In 1938, the business was renamed Binfords & Mort after their nephew, Ralph Mort, became a partner. This change was suggested by the publishing house William Morrow and Company to provide a more original identity as they began distributing the Binfords' titles on a national scale.
Transition and Evolution
Following the death of Maurice in 1954 and the retirement of Peter in 1957, ownership passed to Peter's son, Thomas P. Binford. By 1957, the firm had grown into the largest publisher in the Northwest, boasting a catalog of more than 350 titles. In 1973, after Thomas bought out all other interests, the name was slightly modified to Binford & Mort.
However, the later years of Thomas Binford's leadership saw a decline in editorial quality, despite maintaining an average of ten new titles per year. The company moved to Salem in 1980, and following Thomas's death in 1983, the business was purchased by the Gardeniers of Hillsboro.
The company eventually returned to Portland in 1996 before settling in Hillsboro by 2000. Under the editorship of P. L. Gardenier, the focus shifted toward non-fiction and services for self-publishers.
Key Facts
- Founded: Originally Metropolitan Printing Company (purchased 1899); Metropolitan Press established 1930.
- Regional Impact: Became the first large publisher in Oregon and the largest in the Northwest by 1957.
- Key Catalog: Published definitive works on Oregon geography, history, and literature.
- WPA Connection: Profited significantly from printing the American Guide Series during the Great Depression.
- Current Status: Operates as a small firm in Hillsboro, focusing on non-fiction and reprints.
Summary of Binford & Mort's Evolution
| Period | Company Name | Key Leadership | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1899–1930 | Metropolitan Printing Company | Maurice & Peter Binford | Commercial Printing |
| 1930–1938 | Metropolitan Press | Maurice & Peter Binford | Northwest History Books |
| 1938–1973 | Binfords & Mort | Binfords & Ralph Mort | Regional & National Distribution |
| 1973–1983 | Binford & Mort | Thomas P. Binford | Regional Publishing |
| 1983–Present | Binford & Mort | The Gardenier Family | Non-fiction & Self-publishing |
Definitive Works
Binford & Mort is recognized for publishing several works that remain authoritative references for the region, including:
- Oregon Geographic Names by Lewis A. McArthur
- A General History of Oregon by Charles Henry Carey
- Dictionary of Oregon History by Howard McKinley Corning
- History of Oregon Literature by Alfred Powers
- History of Oregon Newspapers by George S. Turnbull
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the company?
The company was started by brothers Maurice M. and Peter A. Binford, who purchased the Metropolitan Printing Company from their brother-in-law, Frank Lee, in 1899.
Why did the company change its name to Binfords & Mort?
The name change occurred in 1938 when Ralph Mort became a partner. The change was suggested by William Morrow and Company to create a more original brand for national distribution.
What role did the WPA play in the company's success?
During the Great Depression, the company acquired the rights to print the American Guide Series guidebooks for Utah, Washington, Nevada, and Oregon, which proved to be very profitable.
Where is the company located today?
The company is currently located in Hillsboro, Oregon.
What does Binford & Mort publish now?
The company focuses on non-fiction works, provides printing services for self-publishers, and continues to reprint its classic older titles.