The Journal grew out of the _Lotus_ which was started at Center Point, May 15, 1873, by J. F. Wilson & Co. T. J. Metcalf was its first editor, and he filled the leaves of the _Lotus_ with spice and sweetness until 1874 when W. T. Baker took charge and subsequently committed suicide. But that was not the fault of the _Lotus_. The office was then sold to H. A. Cook, of Cedar Rapids. In 1876 T. J. Metcalf and S. M. Dunlap purchased the plant and changed the name of the paper to the _Center Point Mirror_, the first issue appearing November 18. Then Mr. Metcalf bought out Mr. Dunlap's interest, and afterwards G. L. Wilson became the owner, changing its name to the _Courier-Journal_. M. A. Oxley and Charles F. Floyd afterwards bought the paper and it finally reached the hands of its present owner. THE SPRINGVILLE NEW ERA Springville is one of the best of the Linn county towns and it has one of the best of the Linn county papers, the Springville _New Era_. Its first issue appeared August 9, 1882. It was a six-column folio, independent in politics, and was established by J. B. F. Butler. In November, 1882, C. S. Shanklin became its editor. At this time it was changed to a six-column quarto. It became a democratic paper but lately grew towards independence in politics, a growing tendency among modern newspapers. There were some more changes of ownership and finally the paper was purchased by O. E. Crane, its present publisher and editor, under whom it has risen to a popularity and prosperity never before attained. THE LISBON HERALD Lisbon has one good weekly, the _Herald_. The _Sun_ was the first paper having been started August 27, 1874, by J. W. Zeigenfus. It was not a success at the start, or at least it did not bring in the coin of the realm rapidly enough to suit its proprietor, and he soon sold it to C. J. Weatherbee. He held it for a few weeks and sold it to W. T. Baker. Baker managed it admirably for a time but he later shot himself through the head in his office and for a time the paper was conducted by W. L. Davis for his widow. Then the Rev. Dewalt S. Fouse became its editor and did some good work upon it. So did A. M. Floyd, one of the best of Linn county's newspaper men. But finally the _Sun_ went down. The _Herald_ has been vigorous and active and prosperous since it was established in 1894 and it was never so prosperous as now. Under the able management of Will F. Stahl the paper has grown in size and in circulation and every issue is filled with up-to-date news and interesting comment. It is a paper of which Lisbon should be proud. CENTRAL CITY NEWS-LETTER