Houston Commemorates 30 Years Since Houston Post Closure

News Summary

Houston recently marked the 30th anniversary of the closure of the iconic Houston Post, a significant moment in the city’s media history. A nostalgic event took place at Kirby Icehouse, where attendees, especially those called ‘Post Toasties,’ cherished memories of the influential newspaper. The Houston Post, rich in history since 1836, shaped public opinion and chronicled monumental events. Celebrations reminded everyone of the paper’s lasting impact on the community and journalism as a whole.

Celebrating 30 Years Since the Closure of the Houston Post

Houston recently turned back the clock to commemorate a significant moment in its media history—the closure of the iconic Houston Post, which happened 30 years ago on April 18, 1995. Making it all the more special, an event was held at the Kirby Icehouse, where folks gathered to reminisce about the good ol’ days of the city’s newspaper that once covered everything from dramatic historical events to community happenings.

A Walk Down Memory Lane

The celebration attracted a colorful crowd, especially those in their 50s and 60s, affectionately dubbed the “Post Toasties.” For many in attendance, the Houston Post was more than just a paper; it was a vital part of their lives, bringing them stories from the fall of the Alamo to the exciting moon landing. These were the days when newspapers held the power to shape public opinion and share significant events with the city and beyond.

One notable figure, Lynn Ashby, who contributed several columns over the years, shared his unexpected experience on that fateful morning of April 18. Arriving late to an important meeting, Ashby found a letter from the publisher waiting for him, stating that the paper was going out of business. Just imagine the shock! To make matters even more surreal, armed guards were stationed to escort the staff out of the building. Talk about a dramatic exit!

A Surprising Downturn

What’s even more puzzling for many was the fact that just a year prior, the Houston Post had reportedly made a profit of $10 million. And yet, while the figures might have looked promising, a change in ownership and strategy led to its demise. The paper was sold for a whopping $160 million to a major media company, sparking rumors of monopolistic intentions in Houston’s newspaper market.

The transaction was also shrouded in controversy, as the new owners cleverly sidestepped legal scrutiny by purchasing the assets rather than the newspaper itself. The Houston Post had a rich history, stemming back to its inception in 1836, when it began as a publication by the Bordens in San Felipe de Austin. This newspaper witnessed the Texas Revolution, missed some monumental battles, and unfolded the narrative of the state’s identity over the years.

Legacies and Legends

Through its many transformations—rebirthing as the Houston Daily Post, then the Chronicle—the Houston Post secured its place in the fabric of Houston’s history. Noteworthy individuals graced its pages, including famed journalist Walter Cronkite and even legendary baseball pitcher Nolan Ryan, who once delivered the paper as a young paperboy. Remarkably, O. Henry, the celebrated author, also contributed to its columns before facing his own run-ins with the law.

The paper didn’t remain static; it experienced reinventions and ownership changes and even filed for bankruptcy a couple of times. Yet it continued to represent the city’s spirit, the struggles, and triumphs of its people. William Pettus Hobby, who began working for the paper as a clerk, eventually rose through the ranks to become its managing editor and later governor of Texas. Those are the kind of tales that remind us how significant this paper was for its community.

Toasting a Legacy

As folks clinked glasses and shared their fond memories at the 30th-anniversary event, it all served as a beautiful reminder of the Houston Post‘s impact on the media landscape in the city. As the participants raised their glasses in a nostalgic toast, they were not just celebrating a newspaper, but a legacy that helped shape Houston’s identity, marking its journey through time.

While the Houston Post may no longer be in circulation, the memories and stories it left behind continue to resonate, reminding everyone of the vibrant role that journalism plays in our lives.

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Additional Resources

• Fort Bend Star: Post Mortem for Toasted Posties
• Wikipedia: Houston Post
• The Facts: Lynn Ashby Post Mortem for Toasted Posties
• Google Search: Houston Post closure
• Houston Chronicle: Texas A&M System Chancellor
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Newspaper