The Journal-Register: A History of Medina's Community Newspaper
For over a century, The Journal-Register served as a vital source of information and a cornerstone of community identity for Medina, New York. From its early roots in the 19th century to its final print edition in 2014, the publication evolved through various formats and ownerships to document the life and growth of Orleans County.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1821
- Final Issue: May 30, 2014
- Headquarters: 409-413 Main St., Medina, NY
- Peak Circulation: 1,500 daily (2014)
- Final Owner: Community Newspaper Holdings Inc.
- Format: Broadsheet
The Evolution of a Local Institution
The history of the publication is marked by several incarnations. While its origins date back to 1821, the Medina Daily Journal was founded in 1903 by David Benson and William Baker. Over the decades, the paper transitioned from a daily broadsheet to a three-day evening publication (appearing on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays), covering various towns and villages throughout Orleans County.
A pivotal era began when Alonzo L. Waters joined the staff after World War I. Alongside business partner W. John Hinchey, Waters helped navigate the publication through the Great Depression. In the early 1930s, they introduced a web press—a printing press that prints from a continuous roll of paper—which was the first of its kind in the county.
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The Waters Family Legacy
Alonzo L. Waters acquired full ownership in the 1940s, and by 1949, his son, Robert E. Waters, joined the operation. Robert took leadership in 1980 following his father's death, overseeing a period of continued growth and modernization.
Technological Advancement and Expansion
In 1970, the Daily Journal and the Medina Register merged to form The Medina Daily Journal-Register. This merger sparked a wave of technological investments, including a computerized typesetting system and a new bank of Goss Printing Presses costing over $150,000. These upgrades established the paper as a leader in Western New York, increasing both its reader base and its staff size while maintaining a close-knit, family-oriented atmosphere.
Under Robert E. Waters, the business expanded into a group known as Lake Plains Publications. This group incorporated several other titles, including the Albion Weekly Advertiser, the Medina Penny Saver, and a TV guide booklet.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1821 |
| Ceased Publication | May 30, 2014 |
| Final Price | USD 0.50 daily |
| Key Figures | Alonzo L. Waters, Robert E. Waters |
| Final Parent Company | Community Newspaper Holdings Inc. |
Ownership Transitions and Closure
In 1984, Robert E. Waters, along with shareholders Barbara B. Waters and Lewis H. Waters, sold the assets of The Medina Daily-Journal Register, Inc. and the Albion Advertiser to the Ithaca-based Roy H. Park Newspaper Group.
Ownership eventually shifted to Greater Niagara Newspapers, a division of Community Newspaper Holdings Inc. Despite its long history of service to the community, the final print issue of The Journal-Register was published on May 30, 2014.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did The Journal-Register stop printing?
The final print issue of the newspaper was published on May 30, 2014.
Who were the primary owners during the paper's growth period?
Alonzo L. Waters served as editor-publisher from 1919 to 1980, after which his son, Robert E. Waters, took over leadership.
What was a "web press" and why was it significant?
A web press is a printing press that prints from a continuous roll of paper. The Journal-Register was the first in Orleans County to install this technology in the early 1930s.
What other publications were part of Lake Plains Publications?
In addition to The Journal-Register, the group included the Albion Weekly Advertiser, the Medina Penny Saver, and a TV guide booklet.
How did the paper modernize in the 1970s?
Following the 1970 merger, the paper invested over $150,000 in Goss Printing Presses and implemented fully computerized typesetting systems.