Nesbitt Memorial Library

The Nesbitt Memorial Library is proud to provide practical access to local history through its digitized archives. In partnership with Advantage Archives , the library offers free access to:

• The Colorado County Citizen (1981-2019)
• The Weimar Mercury (1980-2019)
• The Banner Press Newspaper (1991-2018)
• The Eagle Lake Headlight (1981-2019)
• The Columbus Banner Press (1985-1986)

Colorado County Citizen

The Colorado County Citizen has a storied history, beginning with its establishment in 1857 by James Davis Baker. Initially a vital source of news during the pre-Civil War era, the publication ceased during the war as Baker and his staff joined the Confederate army. Resuming in 1865, the newspaper underwent several changes in ownership and name, eventually becoming the Colorado County Citizen in 1927 under Henry Hurr's ownership. It continued to serve the community, providing extensive local coverage, until its digitized run ended in 2019.

Weimar Mercury

Founded in December 1888 by Benjamin Marshall Baker and John Henry Brooks, the Weimar Mercury quickly established itself as an essential publication for the Weimar community. Brooks took over the newspaper entirely a few weeks after its establishment, allowing Baker to focus on his other publication, the Colorado Citizen. The Mercury has continued to document local news, events, and the changing times of Weimar, maintaining its importance to the community.

Banner Press Newspaper

The Banner Press Newspaper's history is rooted in the Columbus Banner Press, which began publication on June 27, 1985. Over the years, it evolved through several name changes and formats, reflecting its commitment to serving both Colorado and Austin Counties. Initially, the newspaper published separate editions tailored to each county, later unifying under the Banner Press name. Despite experimenting with a Sunday edition in 1985 and 1986, the paper eventually settled into its role as a vital weekly publication for the region until 2018.

Eagle Lake Headlight

Bruce Williamson McCarty and his brother established the first iteration of the Eagle Lake Headlight in 1894. Despite an early suspension, Bruce McCarty re-entered the newspaper business in 1903, launching the Eagle Lake Headlight, which became a cornerstone of local journalism. After overcoming challenges such as a devastating fire in 1917, McCarty's commitment ensured the Headlight's place in the community, with its digitized archives running through 2019.

Columbus Banner Press

The Columbus Banner Press had a brief but notable run from 1985 to 1986. Launched as an offshoot of the Banner Press Newspaper, it aimed to serve the specific needs of Columbus and Colorado County. Although its publication period was short, it contributed to the local media landscape and is preserved in the digitized archives of the Nesbitt Memorial Library.

The Nesbitt Memorial Library has its roots in the Mansfield Memorial Library, which opened on March 2, 1948, thanks to Joseph Jefferson Mansfield's land donation. In 1979, the Nesbitt Memorial Library was established, incorporating the Mansfield Memorial Library’s collection. Funded by the Nesbitt family, the new library provided a modern space for the growing collection. Less than a decade later, an expansion funded by Miss Nesbitt’s estate added significant space and specialized archival facilities, cementing the library’s role as a custodian of local history.