COEUR d’ALENE— The Coeur d’Alene Press has served as North Idaho’s lasting chronicler since 1892, when founder Joseph T. Scott published the first edition. 

“The people of Kootenai County are here for purpose,” he said in a written address to his readership, “Nature has placed before them crude material for building up a prosperous and wealthy community… and the Press proposes to be one of the factors in this development.” 

For well over a century, The Press has not only been part of the community’s history but also instrumental in preserving it.  

“The Coeur d’Alene Press has been recording and publishing historical events in this region for almost as long as the State of Idaho has existed.” wrote Brit Thurman, executive director of the Museum of North Idaho, in a letter to the Idaho State Historical Society. 

Its importance rests in its role as the preeminent daily witness for North Idaho. From the mining and logging booms that built the region to the growth of today’s lakefront resorts, The Press has created a continuous and searchable narrative that helps define local identity. 

Its online, publicly accessible archives span over 17,000 digitized issues, ranging from early weekly issues in 1892 to daily editions in 1964.

The Coeur d’Alene Public Library holds a microfilm collection of The Press, dating from 1945 to 2016, which the public can access at no cost and without a library card. 

Recently, The Press’ digitized and microfilm collections were a key research tool in identifying the truth about a time capsule buried in the walls of the Kootenai County Courthouse dedicated in 1926. 

“By digging through historic newspaper articles, one of our members was able to confirm not only that the time capsule exists, but where it is located within the building,” said Walter Burns, chair of the Coeur d’Alene Historic Preservation Commission.

After some exploration, the commission found and extracted the capsule. The contents will be revealed during a joint venture between the CHPC and the Kootenai County Historic Preservation Commission on July 3, for the building's 100th anniversary, with more details to follow.     

According to Burns, The Press has been more than an ally in preserving the city’s history, citing specific examples ranging from the registration of the Downtown Garden District to the National Register of Historical Places, to informing the public about the planned demolition of the Roosevelt School, triggering public outcry and which led to the saving of a treasured piece of local history.  

“The Press has been a great supporter of the CHPC, having followed and publicized our efforts to retain key pieces of the city’s historic fabric,” he said.

In 2022, The Press was an awardee for the Esta Perpetua Award, given by the Idaho State Historical Society. The award recognizes individuals and organizations who “Go above and beyond to preserve and promote Idaho’s rich historical and cultural legacy."

“This year’s awardees have continued the tradition of illuminating Idaho’s history through their work,” a press release for the award said.

The Press’s role as a daily chronicle and hub of local events goes beyond cataloging and informing Idahoans; it has also served as a means for visitors from other states and countries to learn about the area’s rich history.

“I moved here eight years ago, and The Press has been a terrific resource for me to learn about the area’s history,” said Burns, “Unlike newspapers in other places I’ve lived, The Press regularly publishes fascinating stories about the development of Coeur d’Alene and North Idaho.”