About The Willimantic journal. [volume] (Willimantic, Conn.) 185?-1911
Willimantic, Conn. (185?-1911)

The Willimantic Journal

The Willimantic Journal was a weekly newspaper published from approximately the 1850s to 1911 in Willimantic, Connecticut. Located in eastern Connecticut, Willimantic was known as "Thread City" because it was the site of the prominent Willimantic Linen Company, later American Thread Company, which was, at its height in the early twentieth century, the largest thread mill in North America.

The Willimantic Journal was preceded by the Public Medium, the first newspaper in Willimantic, published by John Evans. Although the early years of the Journal were marked by financial instability, the newspaper found its footing under editor William L. Weaver, who joined the paper in 1862. During his tenure, Weaver, a former teacher and local historian, published articles on local history and genealogy.

The Journal had many editorial changes over the course of its publication history. In 1872, Henry L. Hall became editor of the newspaper, and he later partnered with Arthur I. Bill as co-publisher. After Hall's death in 1886, Bill continued to publish the Journal under the auspices of the Hall and Bill Printing Company, the longest-serving publisher in the newspaper's history.

The Willimantic Journal was published weekly on Fridays. Its circulation peaked from 1895 to 1902, when it reached 2,800. Early issues numbered four pages, while later in its publication history, issues increased to eight pages.

The Journal covered national and state news, but its focus was on local news. It shared stories of local interest from Willimantic and other communities in Windham County, as well as towns in neighboring Tolland and New London Counties. Initially, the Journal was independent, before shifting to an avowedly Republican viewpoint in the 1880s. It also consistently supported the Temperance movement. Willimantic was home to a Methodist campground, and during the camp meetings, the Journal would provide lengthy coverage, at times publishing daily camp meeting editions along with its weekly editions.

The Journal often ran articles about the growth and development of Willimantic. Due in large part to the success of the Willimantic Linen Company, Willimantic grew to become one of the most populous towns in eastern Connecticut, but its economic interests were closely tied to those of Willimantic Linen and as such, the Linen Company was a frequent topic of the Journal's coverage. In a November 5, 1897, article about a recent upturn in business for the Linen Company, the Journal wrote: "The Willimantic Linen Company and the city of Willimantic are identical and when the business of the Linen company flourishes, prosperity is the rule in Willimantic." The Linen Company's acquisition by the American Thread Company in 1898 was front-page news in the Journal, and the subject of editorials, including one from March 25, 1898, that expressed relief that Willimantic's main industry would remain in the town and suggested that the promising outlook for the linen industry would "act as a sort of tonic for general business."

In 1911, the Hall and Bill Printing Company, desiring to focus on its profitable job printing business, sold the Willimantic Journal to the Windham County Observer. At the time of the announcement of the sale, the Journal was to continue to be published, but instead it was absorbed into the Observer and ceased publication.

Provided by: Connecticut State Library, Hartford, CT