The Fontanelle Observer is an American weekly newspaper focused on the news of Fontanelle, Iowa. It was founded in 1863 by the Gow brothers (which included James M. Gow).History of Adair County, Iowa, and its People (1915) Its news is partly digitized via the website of the Creston News Advertiser.Fontanelle Observer at Creston News Advertiser
History The newspaper passed to Indiana native Manley Albert Rany (1857–1914)Iowa City Republican, Iowa City, Iowa, July 20, 1914 in 1881. During his ownership, Will Pruitt also ran the paper under a lease for a few years.
William H. McClure became its owner and publisher in 1894, remaining in the role until 1915.
The newspaper was originally known as The Fontanelle Observer (1863–1883), then Fontanelle Weekly Observer (1883–1885), Fontanelle Observer (1885–1893) and The Observer (1893–1904)."About The Fontanelle observer" - Library of Congress It has since reverted to its original name.
A fire destroyed the newspaper's office in early 1913. McClure was forced to use the presses of the Greenfield Transcript and the Adair News.Fourth Estate: A Weekly Newspaper for Publishers, Advertisers, Advertising Agents and Allied Interest, February 22, 1913 The architect of today's incarnation, in 1918, was Ray Williamson of Creston.The Construction News, Volume 39, April 3, 1915 It is constructed of brick, hollow tile and cut stone with a floor space of by .The Construction News, Volume 35, March 22, 1913
The newspaper celebrated its centenary on December 5, 1963.
In 2017, Shaw Media purchased The Fontanelle Observer and Adair County Free Press.
Editors and publishers
The newspaper's editors and publishers between 1904 and 1920:
William H. McClure,Evening Times-Republican, Marshalltown, Iowa, August 17, 1915 April 14, 1904 to August 12, 1915 William H. McClure and Sons, August 19, 1915 to March 20, 1919 Don D. McClure, March 27, 1919 to December 30, 1920
Online Content for The Fontanelle Observer appears on the website of the Creston News Advertiser, which is owned by Shaw Media.
References
External links The Fontanelle Observer page at CrestonNews.com The Fontanelle Observers Facebook page