Brattleboro Reformer: A History of Vermont's Unique Daily Newspaper
The Brattleboro Reformer stands as a distinctive pillar of journalism in New England. As the only newspaper in the United States to carry the name "Reformer," it serves as a vital source of information for Windham County, Vermont, and parts of Cheshire County, New Hampshire. Today, it ranks as the third-largest daily newspaper in Vermont, following the Burlington Free Press and the Rutland Herald.
Operating as a broadsheet (a large-format newspaper), the publication maintains a weekday circulation of just over 10,000. Its influence is particularly strong in its home zip code, where it boasts a market penetration—the number of weekday sales per 100 households—of 62.8. The paper publishes six days a week, with the Weekend Reformer attracting its largest readership.
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Key Facts
- Founded: August 19, 1876 (as a weekly); March 3, 1913 (as a daily).
- Ownership: Owned by Vermont News and Media LLC (Pavel Belogour).
- Leadership: Jordan Brechenser (Publisher) and Melanie Winters (Managing Editor).
- Coverage Area: Windham County, VT, and parts of Cheshire County, NH.
- Unique Status: The only newspaper in the U.S. named "Reformer."
- Historical Milestone: One of the first U.S. papers to run same-sex union announcements (1989).
Evolution from Campaign Sheet to Daily News
The 19th Century Origins
The paper began its life in 1876 as the Windham County Reformer. It was founded by Charles N. Davenport, a prominent lawyer and Democrat who was dissatisfied with the perceived Republican bias of the Vermont Phoenix. During the 1876 presidential race between Samuel J. Tilden and Rutherford B. Hayes, the paper was viewed as a vehicle for "Tilden and reform." While some historians believe it was intended only for the duration of that campaign, it survived and grew.
Under the leadership of Charles H. Davenport and co-editor T. P. James, the paper transitioned from a weekly to a twice-weekly schedule in 1897. Despite facing financial hardships, the publication remained continuous.
The Transition to a Daily Publication
In 1903, the paper was sold to the Vermont Printing Company, which shifted the publication away from its partisan Democratic roots. A pivotal moment occurred in March 1913 when the Reformer merged with the Vermont Phoenix under the Brattleboro Publishing Company. This merger marked the debut of the paper as a daily publication.
By 1950, John Simpson Hooper took over as editor, eventually guiding the paper toward an independent political stance. Under his leadership, the masthead declared the paper "An independent newspaper, dedicated to conservation and progress in public and humane affairs."
Ownership and Modern Era
Following the era of the Rice and Hooper families, the paper passed through several corporate hands, including the Miller Group of Newspapers and Digital First Media (via New England Newspaper Incorporated). During the mid-2010s, the paper faced significant staffing challenges, at one point reducing its staff to just two reporters.
In May 2021, the Brattleboro Reformer, along with the Bennington Banner and Manchester Journal, was acquired by Vermont News and Media LLC, owned by local investor Pavel Belogour. Jordan Brechenser, a long-time employee of the company, serves as the president and publisher.
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Controversies and Social Milestones
The Reformer has a history of taking bold, and sometimes controversial, stances. In 1989, it became possibly the first newspaper in the U.S. to publish same-sex union announcements alongside traditional wedding notices, years before Vermont legalized civil unions.
However, the paper has also faced criticism. In 2003, it sparked backlash for publishing an antisemitic letter to the editor, which the managing editor defended as a way to expose bigotry. The early 2000s were also marked by labor disputes, including protests over the firing of a reporter during a unionization drive and the subsequent dismissal of managing editor Kathryn Casa in 2004.
Publication Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | 70 Landmark Hill Drive, Brattleboro, Vermont, U.S. |
| Format | Daily Broadsheet |
| Publication Days | Monday through Saturday |
| Website | reformer.com |
| Market Penetration | 62.8 (Home zip code) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Brattleboro Reformer unique in the United States?
It is the only newspaper in the entire United States that uses the name "Reformer."
When did the paper become a daily publication?
While it started as a weekly in 1876, it officially became a daily newspaper on March 3, 1913, following a merger with the Vermont Phoenix.
Who currently owns the Brattleboro Reformer?
The paper is owned by Vermont News and Media LLC, which is owned by local businessman and investor Pavel Belogour.
What is the paper's history with LGBTQ+ representation?
The Reformer was a pioneer in the industry, beginning the practice of running same-sex union announcements in 1989, well before the state of Vermont legalized civil unions.
What areas does the newspaper cover?
The publication covers all of Windham County, Vermont, as well as several towns in the neighboring Cheshire County, New Hampshire.