George Putnam papers , 1900-1919

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Scripps, E. W. (Edward Willis), 1854-1926; Scripps, Ellen Browning, 1836-1932; Putnam, George, 1872-1961; Atwood, Lemuel T., 1852-1909
Title
George Putnam papers
Dates
1900-1919 (inclusive)
Quantity
1.6 linear feet, (2 containers)  :  1 record storage box, 1 loose volume
Collection Number
Ax 827
Summary
George Putnam (1872-1961) became a newspaper reporter, editor, manager, and publisher. The collection (1900-1919) contains correspondence, business papers, memorabilia, and scrapbooks.
Repository
University of Oregon Libraries, Special Collections and University Archives
UO Libraries--SCUA
1299 University of Oregon
Eugene OR
97403-1299
Telephone: 5413463068
spcarref@uoregon.edu
Access Restrictions

Collection is open to the public. Collection must be used in Special Collections and University Archives Reading Room. Collection or parts of collection may be stored offsite. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives in advance of your visit to allow for transportation time.

Additional Reference Guides

Paper finding aid with additional information is available in Special Collections & University Archives.

See the Current Collection Guide for detailed description and requesting options.

Languages
English
Sponsor
Funding for production of this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC).

Historical NoteReturn to Top

George Putnam (1872-1961) became a newspaper reporter, editor, manager, and publisher.

He was born in New Orleans and educated at the University of Nebraska. He began his newspaper career as a reporter for the San Diego Tribune. He then became private secretary to E. W. Scripps in 1899, and went on to be the coast manager for the Scripps McRae Press Association from 1900-1902.

He founded, edited, and published the Spokane Press until 1904. He was also the editor of the Eureka Herald until 1904; news editor of the Portland Journal from 1904-1907; editor and publisher of the Medford Mail Tribune from 1907 till 1919, and editor and publisher of Salem Capitol Journal from 1919 until 1953, where he was editor emeritus until his death in 1961.

Putnam died in a house fire that destroyed much of his personal papers.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

Correspondence includes incoming and outgoing letters, and letters pasted into scrapbooks.

There is a scrapbook containing outgoing letters from 1900-1903. Another section of regular outgoing correspondence is from 1900-1904; 1911-1912; and 1918.

There is another scrapbook containing incoming letters (1900-1903) from E. W. Scripps, Ellen B. Scripps, and L.T. Atwood. The scrapbook and correspondence deals primarily with the establishment of the Spokane Press, with some letters regarding the Kansas City Sunday World, both of which were newspapers backed financially by the Scripps family.

Another section of regular incoming letters are arranged alphabetically by name or title, and are dated from 1900-1919. Correspondents include government agencies, newspapers and publishers, and politicians.

There is one folder of miscellaneous business papers. The collection also includes memorabilia.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • American newspapers--Oregon
  • American newspapers--Pacific Coast (U.S.)
  • Newspaper editors--Oregon--Correspondence
  • Newspaper editors--Pacific Coast (U.S.)--Correspondence
  • Newspaper editors--United States--Correspondence
  • Newspaper publishing--Oregon--History--20th century
  • Newspaper publishing--Pacific Coast (U.S.)--History--20th century
  • Newspaper publishing--United States--History--20th century
  • Publishers and publishing--United States--Correspondence

Personal Names

  • Atwood, Lemuel T., 1852-1909
  • Putnam, George, 1872-1961
  • Putnam, George, 1872-1961
  • Scripps, E. W. (Edward Willis), 1854-1926
  • Scripps, Ellen Browning, 1836-1932

Corporate Names

  • E.W. Scripps Company
  • Kansas City World (Firm)
  • Spokane Press

Form or Genre Terms

  • Correspondence
  • Scrapbooks