Evening Express: The Rise and Fall of a Portland Daily
The landscape of American journalism was once defined by the rhythmic pulse of morning and evening editions. In Portland, Maine, the Evening Express stood as a cornerstone of local information for over a century, evolving from a modest penny daily into a dominant media force before the shifting habits of readers brought its era to a close.
The Birth of a Penny Daily
The Evening Express made its debut on Thursday, October 12, 1882. It was founded by Arthur Laughlin, who was just 28 years old at the time of the first printing. Laughlin launched the publication with a clear mission: to provide the public with a new penny daily evening paper dedicated to delivering all local news of the day up until 3 o'clock P.M.
This commitment to timely, local reporting resonated with the community. By 1889, only seven years after its inception, the Express had achieved the highest daily circulation in the city.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Expansion Under Col. Frederick Neal Dow
A significant turning point occurred in 1887 when the publication was acquired by Col. Frederick Neal Dow, the son of Portland Mayor Gen. Neal S. Dow. Under Dow's leadership, the newspaper underwent a period of modernization and aggressive growth.
Dow implemented numerous technical improvements to the printing process and expanded the company's footprint through strategic acquisitions. In 1910, he purchased a competing publication, The Daily Advertiser. He further expanded his media holdings by purchasing the city's Sunday newspaper, the Maine Sunday Telegram, a title that remains in publication today.
This era of expansion concluded in 1925, when Dow sold both the Evening Express and the Maine Sunday Telegram to Guy P. Gannett.
The Decline and Final Edition
By the late 20th century, the industry faced a systemic challenge: a nationwide decline in the circulation of evening newspapers. In the fall of 1990, the Guy Gannett Publishing Co., led by heiress Jean Gannett Hawley, announced that the Evening Express would cease publication.
The decision was driven by the need to merge the Express newsroom with that of the Portland Press Herald, a morning newspaper also owned by Guy Gannett. The final issue of the Evening Express was published on Friday, February 1, 1991. Bearing the simple and poignant headline "Goodbye," the issue marked the end of a 108-year legacy.
While the daily evening paper vanished, the Maine Sunday Telegram continued under Guy Gannett ownership, serving as the Sunday edition of the Portland Press Herald.
Key Facts
- Founded: October 12, 1882, by 28-year-old Arthur Laughlin.
- Peak Growth: Achieved the city's highest daily circulation by 1889.
- Major Acquisition: Col. Frederick Neal Dow purchased The Daily Advertiser in 1910.
- Ownership Transition: Sold to Guy P. Gannett in 1925.
- Closure Date: February 1, 1991, after 108 years of operation.
Publication Summary
| Year | Event | Key Figure |
|---|---|---|
| 1882 | First issue printed | Arthur Laughlin |
| 1887 | Ownership transfer | Col. Frederick Neal Dow |
| 1910 | Purchase of The Daily Advertiser | Col. Frederick Neal Dow |
| 1925 | Sale to Guy P. Gannett | Guy P. Gannett |
| 1991 | Final issue published | Jean Gannett Hawley |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the Evening Express?
The newspaper was founded by Arthur Laughlin, who launched the first issue on October 12, 1882, at the age of 28.
What was the original goal of the publication?
The paper aimed to be a penny daily evening publication that provided all local news of the day up until 3 o'clock P.M.
Which other newspapers were associated with Col. Frederick Neal Dow?
Col. Dow purchased the competing Daily Advertiser in 1910 and also acquired the Maine Sunday Telegram.
Why did the Evening Express stop publishing?
The publication ceased due to a nationwide decline in evening newspaper circulation and a strategic decision by Guy Gannett Publishing Co. to merge its newsroom with the Portland Press Herald.
What happened to the Maine Sunday Telegram after the closure?
The Maine Sunday Telegram continued to be published under Guy Gannett ownership as the Sunday edition of the Portland Press Herald.