Nogales International

In October 1882, a silver spike was placed to mark the wedding of the rails that connected the U.S. and Mexico at the sister cities of Nogales, Sonora, and Nogales, Arizona, or Ambos Nogales (Alma Ready, Nogales, Arizona, 1880-1980 Centennial Anniversary). Multiple newspapers appeared from 1885 onward, from early titles like The Oasis [LCCN: sn 85032933] to the Nogales Morning Democrat [LCCN: sn 96060797]. On May 25, 1925, the International, printed in the former home of the Oasis and Democrat, was started by publisher and editor Craig Pottinger. He described it as “The People’s Paper” in the first issue. The front page announced “A New Newspaper and a New Boy,” as Pottinger’s son “made his debut into this vale of printer’s ink at the exact time the International went to press.” Years later, Pottinger recounted in an interview in the Arizona Republic [LCCN: sn 83045137]: “‘That was a pretty hectic night’...‘Craig was born just before daylight, but somehow we managed to get the paper out before breakfast.’” Pottinger had extensive experience in the newspaper business, founding the Northern Arizona Leader [LCCN: sn 94050565], running the short-lived Phoenix Evening News [no LCCN], and serving as editor of the Nogales Herald [LCCN: sn 96060772] and the Nogales Democrat. 

The Nogales International, the new title starting in July 1926, ran different slogans and sidebars, from “Nogales: Where Summer Spends the Winter,” to “Published at Nogales Where Two Great Nations Meet” and “Nogales: In the Cow Country Down Mexico Way.” It was an unapologetically Democratic newspaper. The first issue declared: “This paper will fearlessly expose the exploitations of the rights of the people, whether that be by politicians or otherwise,” with the editorial page advocating its platform of “Paved Streets” and “A Greater Nogales.” Pottinger had a blackboard on the face of his building where he posted breaking news and advocated his platforms.

News ranged from local to international, covering infrastructure, politics, and trade relations with Mexico. The September 16, 1930 issue recognized the 120th anniversary of Mexico’s independence, commenting: “we hope and believe that the cordial relations that have existed between us will never cease, but will bind us closer together as the years pass.” The newspaper also announced upcoming events, such as the Cattlemen’s Convention. The International reported on World War II, advertised war bonds, and included a special column, “Letters from Service Men,” wherein members of the military from Santa Cruz County could publish letters to home.

Pottinger stated in the International’s 50th anniversary issue that he founded the paper “primarily to give the community scores of Sunday baseball games,” and sports reporting was a regular feature in the paper.  In the same article, Pottinger celebrated shop employee, Alex Orozco who “handled [their] first press, an old two pager whose rollers were kept warm by kerosene lamps.”  In 1971, after forty-six years as owner and editor, Pottinger sold the Nogales International, and the newspaper is still being published today.

Essay provided by University of Arizona Libraries.