The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1921-06-10
ANOTHER MILESTONE TURNED

press closes VOlUme 1OTCy.CWO. EOr.
ty-two years ago is q long time in
this country. Counting that many
years brings one to the beginning OF
things as far as settlement is con.
cerned. In 1878 there was not q
mile of railroad built north of Grand
Forks and not a mile of railroad in
operation west Of the Red river save
the Northern Pacific from Fargo to
Bismarck. The only way Of travel
in those days was by the overland
stage coach, navigation on the Red
river in the summer and the primi-
tive Red River Cart drawn by an OK
Or Indian pony.
Freight was transported the same
way. Part of the material still in
use in this Office was brought here
from Fishers Landing in steamer
down the Red Lake and Red rivers.
So much for the early history of the
Pioneer Express.
In writing the above we cannot
refrain from referring to our own
connection with this office for we
are beginning to feel that we are a
pioneer with the rest of the founders
of the state. After spending year
and a half in the Territory of Da-
kota we came here in 1888 to take
charge of the mechanical end of this
office. In 1887 we bought the office
and good will in company with F. A.
Wardwell, and we are here still.
During these thirty-eight years
the Pioneer Express has been re-
cognized as one. of the leading week
lies of the state. It has always ex-
pounded Republicanism but never
allowed itself to be carried away
with the idea that that party was
infallable. There were times that
we took issues with the men who
had the responsibility of framing
the tickets as far as candidates were
concerned but we cannot recall an in
stance that the National issue of the
Republican party was questioned by
this paper in all that time. And
looking at things as we see it now
we cannot call to mind anything that
was made the main issue of the Re-
publican party since we took charge
of the Pioneer Express that did not
prove to be what was set forth in the
platform.
Thirty-eight years ago the print
ing profession was much different
from what it is now. Then every.
thing was set by hand; the average
wages paid was SIS per week for
day work, and night compositors on
the morning papers received $18 per
week, or 27 cents per M. on piece
composition. Board and room was
$3.50 per week at the average hotel.
In 1880 we were connected with the
Pioneer Press of st. Paul, when
there were thirty-five men working
in the composing room during the
week at these wages, and Saturday
night it took forty men to set the
newspaper for Sunday. The aver
age Sunday edition contained twen-
ty-four pages which was considered
out Of the ordinary.
There was not telephone in st.
Paul at the time we left there for
this state, and messenger boys and
telegraph operators were busy all
tho time. We refer to these things
to show the changes that have taksn
place since we located in Pembina.
We are still here, hewing to the line
as best as we see it.
To the friends, old and new, who
contribute to our welfare, we ex-
tend heartfelt thanks, and wish them
a happy and prosperous year. Many
Of these have been with us since we
became connected with the Pioneer
Express. We have names on ou1
subscription list Of people who left
here twenty-five years ago, who are
still reading the paper. The early
ties Of pioneer days, and the fact
that they consider the Pioneer Ex.
press worth 81 per year is the rea-
son why. They are interested in
news from North Dakota, the Red
River Valley and Pembina county
the place where they first cast their
lot after leaving home, and one Of
the best states in the Union for q
person to make start in life will,
small capital. ..
Next week we enter upon Vol. 43.
G. G.. THOMPSON.