History of our town newspaper

Small town newspapers in rural America serve as a portal into the life and times of individuals who live in these communities. These newspapers are precious documents that celebrate the lives, activities, tragedies and relationships that these communities value. These papers also bring domestic and global news to residents and link these events to their own lives. The Puget Sound Mail was a key part in La Conner’s history and my great-grandfather was the owner, publisher and editor.

Before cell phones, computers and satellite news, newspapers were the only conduit for reporting and documenting events in communities. Before our paper was the La Conner Weekly News, it was the Channel Town Press and before that, it was the Puget Sound Mail. My great-grandfather, Maurice Patrick O’Leary, was the editor/owner of the Puget Sound Mail for 33 years. He bought the Puget Sound Mail at a sheriff’s sale in 1940. “I bought the damn thing on April Fool’s Day, 1940, sight unseen, at a sheriff’s sale,” he wrote.

My great grandfather was a determined man who wanted a career in journalism and pursued an active role in his small community. He loved people and loved to tell stories. My great grandfather said, “Every person has some kind of a human interest story in him. You just have to find it.” Pat O’Leary was a very instrumental and inspirational human being. He wrote bold headlines and articles about the development of new buildings and ideas. The people of La Conner loved his insight and his ardent suggestions.

My great grandfather was also a friend and advocate for the Swinomish Tribal community. One of his best friends, Tandy A. Wilbur Sr., was involved in the Swinomish council as a chairman. Pat O’Leary brought the voice of the Swinomish community to residents of La Conner, Skagit County and beyond. He wrote many articles about the life and history of the Swinomish people. He wrote about the Canoe Races on the Swinomish Channel, the making of the Totem Pole, and new buildings constructed through the years. My great-grandfather loved to communicate, and he believed that if you could understand a people or culture through his writings, then you could grow your soul.

The Puget Sound Mail building still stands today at 701 1st St. La Conner, Washington. The historic sign is on the front of the Courtyard Gallery.

The Puget Sound Mail was the state’s oldest weekly newspaper. Before the building was home to the Puget Sound Mail it used to be an old tavern. The pole that is in front of the doors was the pole that customers would use to swing themselves into the tavern door, which is now a window. That pole was embedded in the sidewalk and is still there today.

It is interesting that these pieces of history are still a part of our town and serve to remind us of an important time period. When you think about all these details and stories, you can just imagine the making and development of our town in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

A piece of our town’s history lies in its newspaper and the stories and news that it recorded: births, deaths, wars, conflicts, celebrations, sports and everything in between. In small communities, a local newspaper brings people together and documents their lives; my grandfather, Patrick O’Leary, made this his life’s work, and when you read his articles, you get a sense of just how much he loved the La Conner community and the people in it.