Historian’s corner

Old West Haven Newspapers

By Dan Shine

Voice Columnist

This week, your Historian defers to past Historian, the late Harriet C. North, and a column that she wrote in 1980:

Today, I am going to evoke memories in some old West Haveners concerning how this paper came to be.  As far as can be ascertained, about 1895 there was a paper called “Weekly Times.”  The publishers were Mr. R.W. French and Mr. E.P. Thomas, editors and proprieters.  It was printed by the “Knox-All Printing House” on Washington Avenue, near George Street.

In 1905, a weekly newspaper emerged, run by one Edward Whaples, called the “Advertiser.”  It was printed in a small shop in the rear of Mr. Whaples’  home on Washington Avenue and Leete Street.

After the publisher’s death in 1910, Mr. Charles G. Chamberlin was appointed administrator of his estate.  He bought the newspaper and the printing press.  It was moved to Campbell Avenue in a building between Town Hall and Center Street.  The business was incorporated under the name “Orange Print.”

In 1915 the newspaper was sold to Mr. M.C. Schwaner.  Associated with him as editor was Arthur E. Lamsen who conducted the business for several years.  The printing business was later sold by Mr. Chamberlin to Mr. Herman Wilson who erected a brick edifice on Curtiss Place and moved the business there.  His son recently passed away; the building remains.

There was another newspaper published about that time called “Town Topics.”  This was owned by Mr. Lucien Smith and printed in the shop of Edwin P. Thomas on Washington Avenue.  Old timers will remember Mrs. Frank Merwin Smith, a lady well on in years who wrote the “society” column.  Teas, “whist” parties, dinner parties, and weddings were colorfully described by her.  West Haveners avidly read her column.

Some years later, “West Haven Life” was published by Lewis L. Field.  He and his wife Marion were well-known among the townspeople.  Mr. Field and several West Haven businessmen ran this concern.

During the Great Depression, about 1929, Mr. Walter Kiernan and his wife ran the paper.  Following that, came the “News-Record” published by Richard P. Plank.

The “Town Crier” came into existence about 1930, with Frank Sheehan as editor.  The next new owners and editors were Mr. James C. Sullivan and his wife Jane.

All of these papers were published at the printing presses of Nathan and Herbert Thomas on Washington Avenue.

When the Sullivans took over, they moved the office to a building on Center Street near Campbell Avenue.  The printing was done in Hamden.  Mrs. Sullivan is still active in the newspaper field.  She writes “My Pet Gripe” for the Register, along with other household articles.  The next owners were Robert Joyce and his wife Judy.  It was called the “City News.”  They held it for seven years.  The present owners are the people who print the Milford Citizen with Mr. Bill Riccio as editor.  Before him were Mercedes Carafeno, Colby Dreissens, Jon Swebelius and Glenn Clark.  It is now called the “West Haven News.”

West Haveners eagerly await the printing of each week’s issue to read about the political, sporting, social and advertising news (to say nothing about Felicia—that girl who seems to know all).