Birth of The Missoulian – 1873
The Montana Pioneer
Frank H. Woody, Editor.
Missoula, Feb. 8, 1873
To The Patrons Of “The Montana Pioneer.”
The undersigned having purchased the PIONEER Office entire, with the business and good will of the same, desire to say a few words to the old patrons of the PIONEER. In order to make our arrangements and put the Office in good order, we will be compelled to suspend the publication of the paper for some two weeks but will on the 26th day of February, 1873, issue the first number of “THE WEEKLY MISSOULIAN.”*
The Weekly Missoulian will be Independent, not only in politics, but in all things; and will, at all times advocate, what we shall believe to be right, and condemn that which we believe to be wrong; and will at no time , be the organ of any man, clique, ring or party, but will endeavor to promote the interests of Montana, and particularly of Missoula County.
We intend, at an early day, to replenish our Office with new type and other materials, if we can procure them in the Territory, but if we cannot, we shall procure new material from the East as early as practicable. Having reduced the price of subscription so as to bring it within reach of all, we trust that the patrons of the PIONEER will extend to us their support. Our terms will be $5 a year if paid in advance, or $6 if not paid until the expiration of three months.
Frank H. Woody
T. M. Chisholm.
Missoula, M. T., February 8, 1873
*Note: The 1st edition of The Weekly Missoulian came on Friday, February 28th, 1873. Woody & Chisholm purchased the PIONEER from Washington J. McCormick, a Missoula pioneer who married C. P. Higgins’ sister, Kate. Among many notable things, the McCormick family was instrumental in securing property for St. Patrick Hospital and for McCormick Park in Missoula.