The Morning Call: A History of Allentown's Daily Newspaper

The Morning Call is a prominent daily broadsheet newspaper based in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Since its inception in 1883, it has served as a primary news source for the Lehigh Valley, standing as the second-longest continuously published newspaper in the region, following only The Express-Times. Today, the publication is owned by Alden Global Capital, a New York City-based hedge fund.

Key Facts

Founded: 1883 (originally as The Critic).
Format: Daily broadsheet.
Current Owner: Alden Global Capital.
Digital Presence: mcall.com (launched December 30, 1996).
Headquarters: Historically located in Allentown, PA.

The Early Years and Rebranding

The publication began its journey in 1883 under the name The Critic. In its earliest days, Samuel S. Woolever served as the owner, editor, and chief reporter. The paper's first reporter was David A. Miller, who was a senior at Muhlenberg College at the time. Ownership later transitioned to editor Charles Weiser and business manager Kirt W. DeBelle.

A pivotal moment in the paper's identity occurred in 1894 when a reader contest was launched. The newspaper offered $5 in gold to any school child in Lehigh County who could suggest a new name. On January 1, 1895, Allentown City Treasurer A.L. Reichenbach announced the winning name: The Morning Call.

A 1900 advertisement for The Morning Call after its rebranding, showcasing the newspaper's former headquarters at 16 South 6th Street

During this period, David A. Miller and his brother Samuel began acquiring private shares, eventually taking full ownership of the newspaper in 1904.

David A. Miller, a Muhlenberg College senior, was the newspaper's first reporter; in 1904, he and his brother Samuel acquired the newspaper, owning it until 1920, and later serving as its president from 1934 until his death in 1958.

Growth and Expansion in the 20th Century

By 1920, the newspaper had grown its circulation to 20,000. That same year, Harry Clay Trexler acquired the publication from the Miller brothers. The 1920s also saw the arrival of Charles Clarence Curtis in the advertising department; Curtis would manage the department until 1960 while simultaneously achieving the military rank of major general.

Following Trexler's death in 1933, David A. Miller returned to the organization. Under his influence and subsequent leadership, the company expanded by acquiring a competitor, The Chronicle and News, in 1935, which was renamed The Evening Chronicle. By 1938, the publication launched The Sunday Call-Chronicle.

The Miller family maintained a strong grip on leadership for decades. David A. Miller served as president from 1951 until his death in 1958. His sons, Donald and Samuel, were appointed publishers in 1951. After Samuel's passing in 1967, Donald P. Miller and his son Edward D. Miller continued the legacy, with Edward serving as executive editor and publisher in the late 1970s.

Corporate Transitions and the Digital Age

The late 20th century brought significant structural changes. The Evening Chronicle ceased publication in 1980. In 1984, the newspaper was sold to the Times Mirror Company, leading to a series of leadership changes including publishers Gary K. Shorts (1987) and Guy Gilmore (2000), followed by Susan Hunt in 2001.

As the media landscape shifted toward the internet, the newspaper launched its online service, mcall.com, on December 30, 1996. Ownership changed again in 2000 when Tribune Media acquired the assets of the Times Mirror Company.

In 1920, The Morning Call moved into its headquarters at 101 N. 6th Street in Center City Allentown; in 2020, after allegedly failing to pay four consecutive months of rent, the newspaper announced that it was abandoning the building.[1]

Modern Era and Recent Challenges

In May 2021, Alden Global Capital, a hedge fund that already held a significant stake in Tribune Media, acquired The Morning Call. This acquisition was met with opposition and criticism from the journalists' guild.

The 21st century has brought financial and operational hurdles. In the first half of 2024, the newspaper moved all of its online content behind a paywall—a system where users must pay a subscription fee to access articles.

Operational and Legal Controversies

The newspaper has faced significant turmoil in recent years. In 2020, a lawsuit was filed against former bureau chief and columnist Paul Carpenter by his daughter, alleging repeated sexual assault over a decade. Additionally, the newspaper faced a legal battle with its landlord over four months of unpaid rent for its Center City Allentown headquarters. Consequently, in August 2020, the newspaper permanently closed the offices it had occupied since 1920, citing dwindling advertising revenues.

The Morning Call: Quick Reference Summary
Category	Details
Founded	1883 (as The Critic)
Location	Allentown, Pennsylvania
Current Owner	Alden Global Capital
Digital Launch	1996
ISSN	2641-3825

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the original name of The Morning Call?

The newspaper was founded in 1883 under the name The Critic before being renamed through a reader contest in 1895.

Who currently owns the newspaper?

The Morning Call is currently owned by Alden Global Capital, a hedge fund based in New York City.

Why did the newspaper close its Allentown headquarters?

The headquarters at 101 N. 6th Street were closed in 2020 due to dwindling advertising revenues and allegations of unpaid rent for four consecutive months.

When did the newspaper start its online presence?

The newspaper launched its website, mcall.com, on December 30, 1996.

Is the online content of The Morning Call free?

No, as of the first half of 2024, all online content has been moved behind a paywall.