Public invited to News & Press 150th Anniversary Celebration!
The News & Press is proud to celebrate the 150th anniversary of its founding newspaper, The DARLINGTON NEWS, which was established in 1875. While the “News & Press” name itself is not 150 years old, the publication is honoring the milestone birthday of the newspaper that started it all.
The DARLINGTON NEWS was founded in 1875 by J. W. Hammond as a weekly Thursday publication. Meanwhile, The DARLINGTON PRESS began its journey in 1903 as the NEW ERA before being rebranded on July 4, 1906, under editor A. J. Bethea.
On April 20, 1909, these two vital community newspapers officially merged to form The NEWS & PRESS. The unification was led by prominent local figures including J. Monroe Spears, Thomas H. Coker, Jr., S. C. King, T. E. Stokes, and founding publisher J. W. Hammond.
Under J. Monroe Spears’ leadership from 1909, the newspaper became integral to Darlington County’s history, chronicling significant community events and developments.
In 1956, owner Sarah Coffee sold the publication to Morrell L. Thomas Jr., who served as owner and publisher until health issues forced his retirement in 2002. His daughter Ann Boyd Thomas succeeded him until her death in March 2008, followed by his son Morrell “Morrey” Thomas III, who continued the family legacy until selling during the COVID pandemic in mid-2020.
Today’s Operations
The News & Press now operates under Herald Media Group, which also manages The Dillon Herald, Golden Life magazine, and provides printing, graphics, office supplies, and office design services. Jordan Grimsley serves as General Manager, bringing to Darlington his family’s long history of service in Dillon County. Editor Stephan Drew continues the tradition, with his distant ancestor Thomas Jefferson “T.J.” Drew having been instrumental in The Hartsville Messenger’s early operations.
Please join us on Tuesday, September 9th, from 12pm to 4pm at our offices, 117 S. Main Street in Darlington.
Through 150 years of community journalism, The News & Press continues its founding mission to inform, engage, and connect the people of Darlington County.
