Arnprior Chronicle-Guide

The Arnprior Chronicle-Guide is a publication with deep roots in the community.

Two publications with significant histories in the area – The Arnprior Chronicle and the Arnprior Guide – merged in 1985 to become what it is today. The Arnprior Chronicle was established by Munn and MacDonald in 1879. The paper’s original location was on Madawaska Street with a later move to the Phoenix Block on John Street.

In 1905, the newspaper was sold to A.J. Jeffery and later his son R.A. Jeffery, who remained publisher until the paper was sold to W.H. McFarlane in 1929.

In 1951, McFarlane sold the publication to R.S. Atkey who remained at the helm through the 1950s and early 1960s. County Newspapers Ltd., a division of Thomson Newspapers, bought the newspaper in 1965.

Donald W. McCuaig of Renfrew purchased the paper in 1975, adding to his growing chain, which included the Renfrew Mercury and the Carleton Place Canadian.

In 1978, the Chronicle, along with its sister papers, was purchased by Donald F. Runge, becoming part of Runge Newspapers Inc.

Metroland purchased the newspaper chain in October 2005.

The Arnprior Guide was founded by Arnprior native Steve Prensler, who served his printing apprenticeship with both Chronicle publisher R.A. Jeffery and J.C. Williams, publisher of another early Arnprior-area paper, the Watchman. Prensler opened a printing shop on Elgin Street, later purchasing the building where he eventually founded the Guide, first known as The Shopper’s Guide. Prensler and his wife Blanche (Bud), along with the printing business and newspaper, also operated the motor vehicle licence bureau from 1939 to 1965. G.S. Levy bought the business and building in 1965, selling to Gordon Fenn in 1966.

In 1977, Fenn’s daughter Sue and her husband Derek Walter assumed control of the business.

The Guide merged with the Chronicle in 1985. Derek Walter remains with the paper as general manager of the Arnprior, Carleton Place, Almonte and West Carleton papers.

The Arnprior Weekender, a Friday paper, was added to the mix in 1994. The West Carleton Review Weekender, established in 1995, is also based at the Arnprior Chronicle-Guide offices at 116 John St. N., Arnprior, ON.

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