Ira W. Hays launched The Evening Globe in 1879, shaping local news for over 50 years
Hagerstown: Back in 1879, a young guy named Ira W. Hays kicked off his first newspaper, The Evening Globe. He was just 23 and had a vision to deliver the latest news to folks in Washington County. His first issue hit the streets on February 25, and he was all about keeping it affordable—just a penny a copy!
Ira was born in Wolfsville, Maryland, in 1855, and his family moved to Hagerstown when he was a kid. He started working in the printing business at just 11 years old. After some time in D.C., he returned home and opened his own shop. He even printed a quirky little paper called Le Globe Printaire before launching The Evening Globe.
When people opened that first issue, they found all sorts of goodies—local news, short stories, and even train schedules. Ira made it clear he wanted to keep his paper independent, steering clear of any political party. That was a big deal back then!
As the years rolled on, The Evening Globe became a staple in the community. Ira expanded his business, adding a weekly paper and even getting his sons involved. Sadly, life threw some curveballs, including the loss of his daughter Lola in 1899.
In 1911, after more than three decades in the game, Ira sold The Globe and took a step back. But retirement didn’t mean he was done. He stayed active in the community and even bought a fancy new car in his 70s!
When Ira passed away in 1938, he left behind a legacy that shaped local journalism. His work is now being preserved for future generations, ensuring that The Evening Globe’s stories will live on. It’s a reminder of how much things have changed—and yet, how some things stay the same.
