CHELSEA'S NEWSPAPERS
WINNISIMMET CHRONICLE   The first edition of the "Winnisimmet Chronical" was published on November 17, 1838. It was published by Abel Bowen and was a 6 x 9 inch journal that sold for 6 cents per copy. The second edition, which contained the first directory, did not appear until Decmber 26, 1840.   Seven years later the name was changed to the "Winnisimmet Chronical and Chelsea Advertiser." A decade later it was taken over by Hollis and Haskell and became the "Chelsea Herald."	Chelsea's Newspaper Timeline DATE NAME Nov. 17, 1838 Winnisimmet Chronical 1843 Chelsea Record and Temperance Advocate 1845 Chelsea Pioneer 1847 Winnisimmet Chronical & Chelsea Advertiser 1848 Village Guide 1857 The Chelsea Telegraph 1857 Chelsea Herald. April 3, 1886 The Chelsea Gazete 1869 Mystic Press April, 1872 Chelsea Public 1874 Little Giant Early 1880's Leader Sept. 5, 1888 The Catholic Citizen 1890's Free Lance Dec. 17, 1890 The Chelsea Record Closed 1941 The Chelsea Leader 1954 The Chelsea Transcript
CHELSEA RECORD & TEMPERANCE ADVOCATE   The "Chelsea Record and Temperance Advocate" published its first edition in 1843. This newspaper operated only a few months and then ceased operation.
VILLAGE GUIDE   The "Village Guide" was started by Abel Bowen as his second attempt at newspaper publishing, Its first edition was in 1848 and failed in a very short time.
THE CHELSEA TELEGRAPH   The "Chelsea Telegraph" began publication in 1856 and lasted for only one year when it was merged with the "Chelsea Pioneer."
THE CHELSEA PIONEER   In 1845, the "Chelsea Pioneer," eventually one of the city's most successful publications, made its debut. This 9 x 12 inch weekly was published by Benjamin Rivers in his Winnisimmet Street printing establishment. Three years later it was enlarged and published twice a week. In 1857 the name was changed to the "Telegraph and Pioneer" when it was united with the "Chelsea Telegraph."   W.E.P. Haskell, the new editor and publisher, sold it a few years later to Henry Mason, an experienced writer and printer who had previously published the "American Cabinet" a Boston literary publication. He immediately moved his quarters to 47 Winnisimmet Street. The first of four pages was devoted to literary items, poetry, and items dealing with places and events of historical interest. News stories were confined to page two along with the death notices, church meeting and announcements and some advertisements. An important feature was a list of all uncalled for letters at the local post office. All pieces of mail so advertised were subject to an extra charge of one cent. In 1861 Mason moved the newspaper to 132 Winnisimmet Street where he remained for 35 years. At the conclusion of the Civil War he was joined by his elder son, who assumed control following his fathers death in February of 1874. He managed the paper until his death in June of 1895.   The newspaper then passed into the hands of Julia C. Mason, Henry's daughter. Herbert F. Jenkins of the Boston Herald, was engaged to manage the paper, changing its form, setting aside the blanket sheet and replacing it with an eight page sheet that first appeared on January 9, 1897. Shortly thereafter the newspaper was moved to18 Fourth Street. In 1898 A, S, Arthur became the editor and remained with the paper until its demise.
THE CHELSEA GAZETTE   The "Chelsea Gazete" was established by former mayor Arthur B. Champlin and his father Henry L. Champlin. The first issue was published on April 3, 1886. It grew rapidily and became the leading city newspaper. It was published in the old Baptist Church building at the corner of Broadway and Third Street. Republican in its political partisanship and always popular under its founders, it later suffered when Arthur neglected it in favor of an active political career and other more lucrative business interests.   It was purchased in July 13, 1896 by George J. and William Alcott and John L Wright. They quickly restored the paper to its former popularity by changing the makeup, putting a new dress of type, publishing illustrations of local persons and scenes, and crusading for numerous civil and municipal reforms.   Two years later George J. Alcott withdrew. Later, in the fall of 1898, William Alcott retired and Oscar L. Stevens became one of its owners. Wright changed its politics from Republican to independent.   In the summer of 1906, John E. Beck, 25th mayor of Chelsea, purchased the paper. Althought the plant was completely destroyed in the fire of 1908, new quarters were found and the newspaper remained in business. On Saturday August 30, 1941 the newspaper ceased publication. Editor and publisher, John E. Beck retired from the newspaper business. Beck retired with failing eyesight after 35 years of publishing the Gazette. All assets of the newspaper were purchased by The Chelsea Record.
MYSTIC PRESS   The Hovey brothers began the "Mystic Press" in 1869, but they gave it up after two years.	LITTLE GIANT   In 1874 a surrilious paper emerged known as the "Little Giant." It flourished for only a short period.
FREE LANCE   During the 1890's the "Free Lance" which was a syndicated humorous sheet began and was issued for several years.	THE LEADER   In the early 1880's the actively Democratic partisan "Leader" appeared for several years.
CHELSEA PUBLIC   In April, 1872, Gilman and Bassett began publishing the "Chelsea Public." The former withdrew and in 1874 publication was temporarily suspended but later resumed under the name "Chelsea News."	THE CATHOLIC CITIZEN   The "Catholic Citizen" began publication on September 5, 1888. This newspaper lasted until the death of its publisher and editor, Thomas F. Punch in 1937. Throughout its lifetime it remained a vital factor in the life of the city. When the fire of 1908 destroyed the printing plant, its determined editor and his son Thomas F., Jr., found new quarters.
THE CHELSEA RECORD   The Chelsea Record began publication on December 17, 1890 in the old Knights of Columbus building at 220 Broadway. It was started by William H. Franklin, an ambitious newspaper employee. It was first printed in the Malden plant of Henry C. Gray where other nearby community newspapers were also published. In 1894 Franklin leased a wooden building at 18 Fourth Street and made the Record the first Chelsea newspaper to be printed on an electrically operated press. Publication was discontinued soon afterward until the paper was purchased by J. Waldo Denny. After one year of difficult operation it was returned to Gray's estate and operations continued under the supervision of Henry's daughter, Isabelle. The paper, successful for some time, was then sold to Fred A. Kehew of Salem, who ran it with varying success until it was purchased by Samuel H. Robie in July of 1898. When its plant and equipment were wiped out during the fire of 1908 temporary quarters were supplied by the "Revere Journal" and publication continued without interruption. A brick structure was soon erected at 18 Fourth Street with the Record occupying the first floor. A new plant was installed in January of 1909 and the building purchased by the newspaper 15 years later. An addition was added in 1934. On the death of Mr. Robie in 1934, the newspaper was continued by his widow and Herbert D. Hancock, former advertising manager and city editor. When Mrs. Robie died in 1948, Hancock served as general manager.
CHELSEA LEADER   The "Chelsea Leader" existed for a short time. It ceased publication in April 1941.	CHELSEA TRANSCRIPT   The "Chelsea Transcript" was started by Mayor Andrew P. Quigley in 1954. It lasted only about one year.