Newspapers of Jackson County

Many of us do not realize how many newspapers have existed in Jackson county. At the July 98 Society meeting, Sharon Carnes presented information, news stories, and anecdotes from the work that she and Sandy Massingale have done with historic Jackson newspapers.

We would love to hear from anyone with knowledge of the history, dates, and facts regarding these papers. If you have details, please email the webmaster.

The Weekly Herald is probably Jackson's oldest paper. Founded in 1886 by Dr. William Calvin Tompkins, the paper was based in Webster. (Prior to moving to Webster, W.C. Tompkins owned another newspaper in Highlands, Macon, NC.) In the latter years of its existence, the name changed to The Herald, and the office was located in the Webster Courthouse. This paper is often referred to as the Webster Herald.

Most of the early papers had a definite political slant. Perhaps it was to counter the Republican slant of the Weekly Herald, that the Tuckaseige Democrat was established by General Hampton -- probably around 1888. The paper ceased operations in late 1896.

In late 1898 or early 1899, the High School Advocate was published. Sharon and Sandy have been able to locate only one issue of the paper, but believe there were others. Some have suggested that there was only one issue, but the issued dated 1 Feb 1899 contains corrections and retractions to earlier stories.

A better known paper, the Jackson County Journal, was established in 1906. It was in production until late 1943.

In 1926, Everett Brown founded the Ruralite. The paper was managed by Brown until his death (about six years later), and then by his wife Attie May Bridges Brown until 1943, when it was sold to W. Curtis Russ, owner of the Waynesville Mountaineer. Leon Picklesimer was affiliated with the Ruralite for many years. Many issues of the Ruralite are missing. It has been said that many of the originals burned. According to JCGS member Rachel Phillips, daughter of the Browns, this is not true -- the papers were lost or misplaced over the years, but there was no fire. [Webmaster's Note: If you have them in your attic, please let us know.]

The Western Carolinian was first published in 1932 as the official paper of the University. Early issues contained a surprising amount of genealogical and biographical information. Additionally, the World War II era issues often contained profiles of students or alumni involved in the military.

In 1943, the Gray family purchased the Ruralite from Russ. In August 1943, the Sylva Herald and Ruralite began production. The paper, an extension of the Ruralite, is one of two papers currently published in Jackson county.

In 1981, the Cashiers Chronicle was established to serve the needs of southern Jackson county. In 1984, the name was changed to Crossroads Chronicle.