Charles K. Blandin
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'''A commitment to rural Minnesota''' | '''A commitment to rural Minnesota''' | ||
| - | Charles Blandin was twelve years old when he took his first part-time job at a weekly newspaper. He went on to a career in publishing, including management of the St. Paul Pioneer Press/Dispatch Printing Company. In 1916, the ''Dispatch's'' owner bought the Itasca Printing Company in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. After his death, his widow offered Blandin half the company stock and a chance to manage both the printing company and the paper mill. Blandin took her up on her offer. But when newsprint production became unprofitable, he pioneered the manufacture of high-quality coated paper instead. In 1927, Blandin sold the ''Pioneer Press/Dispatch'' but kept the paper mill. Two years later, it became the Blandin Paper Company. | + | Charles Blandin was twelve years old when he took his first part-time job, at a weekly newspaper. He went on to a career in publishing, including management of the St. Paul Pioneer Press/Dispatch Printing Company. In 1916, the ''Dispatch's'' owner bought the Itasca Printing Company in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. After his death, his widow offered Blandin half the company stock and a chance to manage both the printing company and the paper mill. Blandin took her up on her offer. But when newsprint production became unprofitable, he pioneered the manufacture of high-quality coated paper instead. In 1927, Blandin sold the ''Pioneer Press/Dispatch'' but kept the paper mill. Two years later, it became the Blandin Paper Company. |
Over the years, Charles Blandin became increasingly attached to the Grand Rapids community. In 1941, he established the Blandin Foundation to aid in the economic development of his adopted hometown and the surrounding area. He stipulated that the foundation change with the times as it supported projects leading to the "betterment of mankind." When Blandin died in 1958, his foundation had assets of approximately $1 million. | Over the years, Charles Blandin became increasingly attached to the Grand Rapids community. In 1941, he established the Blandin Foundation to aid in the economic development of his adopted hometown and the surrounding area. He stipulated that the foundation change with the times as it supported projects leading to the "betterment of mankind." When Blandin died in 1958, his foundation had assets of approximately $1 million. | ||
