The Press: New Northwest Territory

Every quarter-century since 1850, the owners of the Portland Oregonian (circ. 219,442) have marked the anniversary of its founding with long histories of the paper and nostalgic backward looks at the growth of the Northwest. Though the Oregonian and its surroundings changed greatly through the years, its ownership did not. It stayed in the hands of descendants of early (1860) Owner Henry Lewis Pittock and his longtime editor, Harvey Whitefield Scott.

Last week, as the Oregonian celebrated its 100th anniversary, it was the owners' turn to change. For more than $5,000,000 in cash, they...