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The Newberry Observer, founded in 1883, believes growth is important not only in its commitment to serve the information needs of the community but also in its role in stimulating the overall economic climate of the Newberry County area of the Midlands. The newspaper itself has an established record of service to its advertisers and readers for more than a century. However, it was not until just prior to observing its 100th birthday that the publishing phase of the operation began a significant growth pattern that has carried the value of thebusiness to renewed heights in the community. Today, the modern offset printing operation, fortified by the latest computerized typesetting capabilities, sets Newberry Publishing apart as one of the most advanced web press facilities in this area of South Carolina. The Observer's history is rich in keeping abreast with trends of the times. The first edition in 1883 was cranked out by a one-revolution Campbell handpowered press capable of printing only 500 papers per hour, a feat which in its day was astonishing, Since then, however, there have been five new presses including a three-deck 32-page Goss Rotary press at the former location on Boyce Street. Although not the first newpspaper in Newberry, The Observer has the distinction of being one of the several earlier ones. History records that "first" honors go to a publication founded in 1849 by James G. Giles. There were numberous others between it and the founding, in 1865, of the Herald and News, which today is part of The Observer's heritage. The Observer was founded by the late William Henry Wallace (1843-1924) of the Belfast section. From 1883 to 1901 he conducted The Observer as a weekly newspaper and then as a semi-weekly. The Observer attained tri-weekly status on April 1, 1981, after becoming associated with the State-Record Company. The Earhardt family served as publishers during most of the first century. The late John Wolfe Earhardt Sr., publisher until his death in 1949, came to Newberry in the fall of 1883 to accept a position as compositor of The Observer. He was associated with the paper almost continuously until his death. In 1949, John Wolfe Earhardt Jr. succeeded his father as publisher and held that position until he sold the business in 1979 to The State-Record Company, a holding company headquartered in Columbia. In those years, The Observer enjoyed some of its greatest expansion. In 1980, Newberry Publishing Company moved into its present plant, 1716 Main Street.