The Providence News Archive

Established in September of 1891 by John L. Heaton and his wife, Eliza P. Heaton, the Providence News was started to represent the Republican Party. Heaton had been trained in New York City. The first printing office was at 10 Pine Street.

In February 1892, the paper was enlarged, and in March of that year, the Republican convention endorsed it as the "official organ of the Republican Party of Rhode Island." Starting on June 15, the weekly edition was 12 pages, and a subscription was $1 per year. By October of 1892, the Heatons and the printing office was moved to 24 and 25 South Water Street. D. Russell Brown took over and soon the unionized compositors were fired and replaced with non-union workers.

In June 15, 1897, the paper announced it was a "newspaper, not a party organ." Three men had bought a controlling interest: R.W. Bryant became publisher, Charles W. Bacon became editor, and Stephen A. Hopkins became business manager. That only lasted until September 22, when J.W. Watson became publisher and manager, while Charles H. Howland became editor. The Providence News ran stories about international affairs as well as local affairs, such as the work of the Women's Christian Temperance Union. It also featured a "Most Popular Pastor" contest.

After repeated attempts to make the newspaper successful, Torrey E. Wardener came from Boston to edit it in 1900. He made such a splash that the newspaper faced a libel suit.

On July 1, 1902, the printing plant moved back downtown Providence to the corner of Washington and Mathewson Streets. Here, they installed the first color newspaper press used in Rhode Island.

D. Russell Brown owned the newspaper until May 10, 1906 when he sold it to Misters Trumpler and Dillenback who changed the name to the News-Democrat and changed the newspaper's political affiliation to support the Democratic party.