Every city has a hometown newspaper and Fargo is no different. In fact, there have been a number of newspapers published in Fargo. After many mergers, however, today's Forum can trace its roots back to the 1873 Fargo Express. A brief history of Fargo newspapers can be found here.

The Fargo Forum was first published by Major Alanson W. Edwards & Colonel H.C. Plumley (pictured right ) on Nov. 17, 1891. When Edwards passed away in 1908, Plumely succeeded him. Although a talented newspaperman, Plumely did not have the necessary business skills. Fibnancial problems at the paper forced it into receivership and it was purcahsed by J.P. Dotson of Crookston, Minnesota in 1912.

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Fargo, North Dakota

Fargo Forum

An issue of the Fargo Forum from Friday, August 25, 1899 is shown to the right.

Headlines described riots following the guilty verdict of Capt. Dreyfus in France and unrest with the Boers in South Africa. Holmes Cothiers advertised men's silk and linen suits from $4 to $7.50.

In 1916,Norman B. Black, former publisher and general manager of the Grand Forks Herald, purchased the Forum from J.P. Dotson for $100,000. Black took over as publisher on May 1, 1917. His co-owners were his son Norman D. Black, newpaperman, Holder Doran "Happy" Paulson, and James E. Rockwell.

Under Black's leadership, the Fargo Forum prospered and took a more moderate and thoughful approach to Fargo and North Dakota boosterism than did the often outspoken Edwards. The paper soon gained increased respect throughout the state. Death overcame the 66-year old Black on January 8, 1931. A few weeks later, Norman D. Black (son of the former publisher) became publisher of the Fargo Forum. At the time, the Fargo Forum was florishing but deeply in debt from its new building and the depression. The paper grew and prospered under Norman D. Black. On August 15, 1944, Jenny C. Black, announced a new publisher: Norman D. Black, Jr., who served as publisher until his death on September 25, 1969. The name was changed to The Forum on April 1, 1966. The new publisher was William C. Marcil, 33-year-old son-in-law of Normen D. Black, Jr. Marcil continues to serve as publisher today and has led the expansion of the Forum into Forum Communications, a multi-media company serving the Upper Midwest.

For pictures of the Forum's buildings, please continue here.

A.W. Edwards & H.C. Plumely