The following information was gathered from microfilm of Hollis newspapers by Judy Webb,
the current editor of the Hollis News.
In 1903 the first newspaper rolled off a press in Hollis. J. Claude Wells launched his own maiden newspaper venture, The Hollis Herald, a Democrat paper. The first press was hauled from Memphis by wagon to Hollis.
In 1905 W.O. Allison established the Hollis Post, a Republican paper. Wells sold out to Allison in 1905 and the newspaper then became the Hollis Post Herald. In early 1907 W.J. Bell and W.F. Kane assumed control of the Hollis Post Herald. J.B. Randle was editor of the Post Herald later in 1907, but died shortly thereafter, and Mrs. Randle was editor until 1908 when John P. Thacker and Robert P. Huff were editors and publishers. Luke Roberts became editor of the Hollis Post Herald in 1910.
A Democrat weekly, Hollis Tribune, was established here in 1911 by H.L. DeVilliers. In 1916 A. A. Baldwin was owner and business manager of the Hollis Post Herald and T.B. Huff was editor. J. Warren White and his wife bought the Hollis Post Herald in 1920 and the Harmon County Tribune a year later. At that time Fred Bell founded the Saturday Times which was short lived. Hutton Bellah established the Harmon County Democrat in 1927. It was sold two years later to the Pulliam newspaper chain and White bought its circulation list. Hollis Daily News was established Sept. 24, 1932 by Jack Oldham, Jim Meaders and Charlie Dial. In June 1934 R. F. Dudley bought the newspaper and in 1938 it was converted from a daily to a weekly newspaper.
Dick and Lady Dudley operated the Hollis Post-Herald under that name until July 19, 1951 when the Hollis Post-Herald and Harmon County Leader consolidated to comprise the Hollis Weekly News. The Dudleys maintained ownership until June 1, 1969 when Gary and Sonya Reid purchased the paper. On Aug. 28, 1969 the Reids changed the Hollis Weekly News to The Hollis News. On Jan. 29, 1972 the News changed from letterpress type of production to the newest technology, "offset".
On Dec. 1, 1979 the Reid�s sold the newspaper to Jefferson Pilot Corporation and Altus Newspaper, Inc. Donrey Media Group bought the paper on Aug. 1, 1984 and sold it to Ada Communications, Inc. on Oct l, 1984.
The Morris Higley Family purchased the News on Nov. 1, 1986.
The Hollis News has been "for" everything that has been considered to be good for Hollis, Harmon County and this area. The News has made every effort to work toward keeping Hollis moving forward. The Hollis News is a good newspaper for a great community. Now in Living Color!
