Our History

"One of the most influential men to plant his roots in Pelican Rapids was E. L. Peterson, the man who resurrected the Pelican Rapids Press from near failure in 1906. In his first editorial, he wrote, “I wish to say that I am here to stay and that I shall use my best efforts to give the people of Pelican Rapids a paper that they will feel like supporting.” He lived up to his word for the rest of his life.  E. L. Peterson has influenced the culture of our community to this day. He used his editorial pen to criticize wasteful government spending, but he was an advocate for spending local tax dollars to improve the community. Some of the projects promoted were the first lighting of Main Street, a community water and sewer system, paving streets, and better fire department equipment. He recognized that area farmers were the foundation of the local economy. He was a friend and promoter of local businesses who in turn supported the paper with their advertising, a feat previous publishers failed to achieve."

(Story featured in the Pelican Rapids 

Press, 4/6/22, pictured are E.L. Peterson 

and his son Ellis)

“Mr. Peterson came to Pelican Rapids from Morristown, Minn. in 1907, purchasing the Press (in December of 1906), which had been in operation for about ten years at that time. Since the newspaper had had many owners during that ten-year span, he was given only about six months before he too would be selling out. He was determined to make it a success, however, and its existence today adjudges to his faith.  During his many years in Pelican Rapids, Mr. Peterson was very active in community and church affairs. He served in various capacities on the village council, the school board, and in the First Congregational church, of which he had been a member since moving to Pelican Rapids.  In later years, he was a familiar sight on the sidewalks of the village and became “Grandpa” to nearly everyone who knew him. He remained active in his newspaper work until only a short time ago when his health began to fail, and old age sapped his strength.”

(Story featured in the Pelican Rapids 

Press, 4/6/22, pictured are Elmer and Cora Peterson)

"Education, community service, citizenship—plus ink on his fingertips and in his veins—are all part of the legacy of E.L. Peterson, the patriarch of the Pelican Rapids Press.   The local newspaper even served as the town’s “public library” at one time.  Peterson’s interest in education and youth comes as no surprise, as he began his career as an educator, teaching in small schools after graduating from Mankato Normal School in 1894. Normal Schools were the name for “teachers colleges” back in those days.  Esmer Knudson Clark, a Pelican native who went off to college and finally to Berkley, California, recalled her youth in Pelican—and her memories of Peterson, probably about 1912-1918.  “One recollection which I have, and which definitely had a major influence on my life, was afforded me by Mr. Peterson. In those days, there was no public library in Pelican, and for youngsters like myself, there was little or no opportunity to have access to books. I was, along with some of my friends, an avid reader, but was often frustrated by the lack of reading materials. 

Mr. Peterson somehow became aware of our predicament, and because of his own intellectual interest, was concerned that we young people would have a suitable chance to satisfy our thirst for knowledge. 

He arranged with sources in the capitol to have a supply of good books regularly shipped to his place of business, and then made those books available to us on a loan basis. Each week I and others would come to his office at the Press and take out three books, for which we had to sign a receipt. For me, this was a dream fulfilled; this reading opportunity opened up a world of new experiences and knowledge, and I took every advantage of Mr. Peterson’s kindness. I used to take the books home and would sit up in our attic with a friend, the both of us reading for hours at a time.

Usually, we had finished our respective books, we would exchange them between us, and go on reading.  Needless to say, those of us who availed ourselves of Mr. Peterson’s thoughtfulness were probably among the most well-read individuals in the whole area. I often think of Mr. Peterson, and how much I am personally indebted to him for helping to make my life so interesting and rewarding.” 

We also have an account of Peterson offering scratch paper to kids.  Young Tom Albright would stop in after school and ask, “do you have any scratch paper I could have?”

“Peterson would dig in the waste baskets and give me a handful of what they had. Depending on the day, I would get excess paper in all different colors, lengths, widths, and sizes.

Like a wrapped present; I never knew what I’d get. I would use this paper for my art projects at home. I had accumulated quite a varied colored paper collection that I was proud of. I’m sure I was quite annoying to the press employees, always asking for paper.  I remember once, old man E.L. himself, asked me if, next time, I could bring in some money to help pay for it. The next time I came in and handed E.L. a pocket full of loose change, as I asked him for scratch paper. He replied that I could keep my change, and I got me free scratch paper anyway.” 

(Story featured in the Pelican Rapids 

Press, 1/15/23, pictured is the 

early Press Office)