Luther I. Aasgaard

AASGAARD

Posted By: Gordon Felland (email)
Date: 12/5/2006 at 09:37:51

Luther I. Aasgaard, editor of the Winnebago Republican of Forest City, has throughout his entire life engaged in newspaper publication, working at the business in every capacity from that of office boy to editor in chief. He is a native of Freeborn county, Minnesota, his birth having occurred in 1878. His parents, A. L. and Maren Aasgaard, were early residents there and the father engaged in business in that state, but in 1888 removed with his family to Lake Mills, Iowa, where he established a hardware store. His wife is now deceased.

Luther I. Aasgaard was a little lad of but ten summers when the family came to this state. He acquired a public school education and when but eleven years of age began working at the printer's trade in the office of the North Star. He was afterward employed in various places and in March, 1895, removed to Forest City, where for a time he was connected with the Summit. Later he established a job printing office and subsequently began the publication of the Winnebago Republican, which was established in 1901, the first issue being brought from the press on Christmas day of that year. This is a weekly six-column quarto, all home print. The office was located on Main street, opposite the courthouse, and in 1914 Mr. Aasgaard erected his present building—a one story and basement structure twenty-two by one hundred feet. The front of the building is of patent brick and the equipment is most pleasing and attractive. The finishings of the main office are in solid South African mahogany. He utilizes a linotype machine and has the latest accessories of the printing art. He furnishes employment to four people and the circulation of the paper has been increased from sixteen hundred to twenty-one hundred. It is published in the interests of the republican party and his editorials are a clear exposition of the questions and issues of the day.

Mr. Aasgaard served for nine months as postmaster of Forest City under President Taft but has always concentrated his efforts and attention upon his business, and laudable ambition has carried him from a humble position in journalistic interests to a place in the front ranks of the newspaper publishers of his section of the state.

Source: History of Winnebago and Hancock Counties, Iowa, Vol. II, 1917, Page 84.