By Worcester P. Bong

On December 23, 1863, when Fort Whipple was temporarily established at Del Rio Springs, north of Chino Valley, a monthly newspaper called the Arizona Miner began publication at this U.S. Army post. The first issue, published on March 9, 1864, informed people about the new Territory of Arizona. Topics included proclamations, government activities and the establishment of a territorial capital. Later in May 1864, Fort Whipple was moved south to a location along Granite Creek and east of the soon-to-be-named town and territorial capital of Prescott. The last issue published at the fort was on May 25, 1864. Thereafter, the Arizona Miner was published in Prescott. But newspaper publishing at the post would return.

In November 1918, Fort Whipple (now Whipple Barracks, U.S. Army Hospital No. 20) received information from the U.S. Army Surgeon General’s office that other army hospitals were publishing newspapers. Patients at Whipple Barracks were treated for respiratory ailments, such as tuberculosis. 2^nd Lieutenant Bruce V. Moore, Chief of the Educational Service, stated that since many patients were confined to their wards, a newspaper would boost morale. With approval from Major Richard Bew, the new Whipple Barracks Commanding Officer, and the Surgeon General’s office, orders to start a post newspaper were given in February 1919.

A naming contest for the newspaper selected The West’s Recall. The name derived from “Recall,” a welcoming bugle call that brings soldiers back from drills and fighting. The word “West” indicated that soldiers were returning to the western hemisphere and the healthy invigorating climate of the West.

On March 1, 1919, the first issue of The West’s Recall was published. 1,000 copies were sold within two hours, so an additional 500 copies were printed. Later issues sold up to 1,500 copies. The newspaper had sixteen pages. Copies initially sold for five cents (approximately 96 cents today), then 10 cents.

Lieutenant Moore, after being reassigned to a different position, became editor-in-chief of the newspaper. Corporal Alfred B. Carr, who had been managing editor of a high school newspaper and worked in print shops, was selected as managing editor. Together, they recruited hospital staff and a few patients to write articles. Articles included Fort Whipple’s history, hospital activities, sports, poems, illustrations and photographs. Others covered the work of different post departments, benefits and compensation information for soldiers and a list of religious services in Prescott. On June 28, 1919, a special edition on Prescott and the Frontier Days rodeo was published, with over 3,000 copies printed.

Published weekly, The West’s Recall was supported by local businesses who bought advertising space. The post exchange paid for newspapers distributed free to enlisted soldiers, nurses and aides at the hospital. Besides distribution of The West’s Recall within the hospital, the newspaper was sold at stores in Prescott, Humboldt and Phoenix. Upon request, The West’s Recall was sent to every Army hospital and the Surgeon General’s office.

In November 1919, the Surgeon General’s office ordered discontinuing The West’s Recall, along with four other Army hospital publications, over concern about topics being advertised. The West’s Recall staff committed to continue without advertisements, resolving the issue.

In January 1920, the U.S. Army ended the Army’s role in publishing The West’s Recall upon transferring Whipple Barracks hospital to the U.S. Public Health Service. The last issue of The West’s Recall was published on January 31, 1920.

Copies of The West’s Recall are viewable by appointment at Sharlot Hall Museum’s Research Center located in the Fort Whipple & VA Center Records, MS-90.

At Sharlot Hall Museum, September 13, from 10am to 3pm, check out the Living History event  “Hot Off The Press” and learn about historic newspaper printing. See https://sharlothallmuseum.org/event/living-history-adventure-september-13th-2025-2/

for more information.

“Days Past” is a collaborative project of the Sharlot Hall Museum and the Prescott Corral of Westerners International (www.prescottcorral.org). This and other Days Past articles are also available at www.archives.sharlothallmuseum.org/articles/days-past-articles/1. The public is encouraged to submit proposed articles and inquiries to dayspast@sharlothallmuseum.org Please contact SHM Research Center reference desk at 928-277-2003, or via email at archivesrequest@sharlothallmuseum.org for information or assistance with photo requests.