The Calgary Herald is one of the country’s oldest and most influential newspapers, having covered political, economic, cultural, and sports events for over a century. In this article on calgary1.one, we’ll explore the newspaper’s history and its role in the life of the city.
History of the Newspaper
The story of the Calgary Herald began in 1883. The paper was launched from a tent at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers by a schoolteacher, Thomas Braden, and his friend, a printer named Andrew Armour. Initially, it was a weekly publication with just four pages. Symbolically, the very first freight train to arrive in Calgary brought a hand-operated printing press for the newspaper. The inaugural issue even captured the townspeople’s excitement about the train’s arrival.
In 1884, editor Hugh St. Quentin Cayley joined the team, prompting a move from the tent to a shack! Braden and Armour realized that Westerners were eager for fresh news about the Riel Rebellion up north, so just a year later, the paper began daily publication. To make this happen, they acquired a new press capable of printing up to 400 copies an hour.
The newspaper struggled with financial difficulties for a long time. Finally, in 1894, J.J. Young took the helm of the Calgary Herald and saved the publication from bankruptcy. Young was a highly talented journalist and a fascinating individual.
In 1887, a dedicated building was constructed for the editorial office at a cost of about $5,000. The building has undergone several renovations since then and was restored to its original appearance in 2003. It can still be seen on Stephen Avenue today. The editorial office itself, however, has relocated many times over the years.
In 1897, Bob Edwards, a humorist and a very talented journalist, began writing for the paper. He was known for his sharp critiques of the government and society and was a supporter of feminism.
Throughout the 20th century, the newspaper continued to evolve, adopting the latest available technologies, including offset printing and later, computer-based layout design. In the 21st century, the paper fully entered the digital age. Today, the publication has both a print and an online version, with stories published in real-time.
Topics and Content
The Calgary Herald is a comprehensive newspaper that covers a wide range of local and international topics. The paper extensively covers events in Calgary and across Alberta. Here, you can find numerous articles on city politics, city council decisions, community life, as well as cultural and sports events in the city.
Readers also get an overview of national events, with information on political changes, economic trends, and international conflicts. A dedicated section is devoted to finance, real estate, and entrepreneurship.
There is also a large section on arts and culture. In the newspaper, you can learn about theatre premieres, concerts, exhibitions, and other cultural happenings.
You could say the Calgary Herald is a one-stop source of information, blending serious analysis with lifestyle content.
Role in the Community
Since its inception, the Calgary Herald has been more than just a source of information; it has been the voice of the community. The newspaper has mirrored the development of Calgary itself—from a small town in the late 19th century to the bustling metropolis it is today.
The publication has always kept city residents promptly informed about key events. Through its editorials and analysis, the newspaper has also influenced public opinion and raised important social and political issues.
The Calgary Herald has frequently participated in charitable campaigns since its founding, helping to raise funds for hospitals, schools, and community organizations. The newspaper helps the city’s residents feel like a unified community, as it is through local news, human-interest stories, and city initiatives that Calgary’s unique character is shaped.