News Publisher (1905 - 1985)

William Loeb's father, a stenographer, became secretary and a principle advisor to President Theodore Roosevelt and was one of his era's most powerful figures. Before he became known as the publisher of New Hampshire's only statewide newspaper, The Manchester Union Leader, William Loeb III tried many other careers. According to a recent documentary, "Poweful as Truth", Loeb sold quic- dry paint, surplus rum and puncture proof tires. Fiercely anti-Communist Loeb first purchased two Vermont papers, then became a key player in NH politics for three decades. Loeb may be best known for has scathing, conservative front page editorials and racist views. He derided Eisenhower, Kissinger, Kennedy and others in his vitriolic front-page editorials. In person, others say, he was charming and genteel. The rise of Loeb's notoriety was heightened by the growing importance of New Hampshire's first-in- the-nation presidential primary. Surprising to some, Loeb's legal residence was in Nevada and he lived primarily in a palatial home in Prides' Crossing, Mass. After his death, his wife Nackey Loeb took over as publisher until she died in 2000.

Was he the meanest man in NH
or just a guy with a newspaper?

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WILLIAM LOEB LINKS

BIOGRAPHY & COMMENTARY

William Loeb, Jr., Publisher
A short bio from Away.com excerpted from "Moon's NH Handbook"

"Powerful as Truth" - A Documentary of William Loeb
John Gfroerer releases a documentary film on the Loeb's life. He has no web site, but you can find the producer at Accompany in Concord: (603) 226--3130

The Muskie "Canuck" Letter in 1972
A Washington Post report on a famous Loeb NH Primary story

Abbie Hoffman and William Loeb
Memories of the 1970 controversy on a NH campus

Who the Hell is William Loeb?
That was the title of the unauthorized Loeb biography by Kevin Cash. We could not find a web site, but you can find a copy at Bibliofind.com

Loeb on Civil Rights in 1957

"Mayflowers" Documentary
Loeb appears in this documentary on UNH campus controversy

If Loeb was Mad at You, Everybody Knew
Concord Monitor

Memories of Loeb and Others at the Union Leader
By reported Bob Hilliard

Looking Back
NH writer Joyce Maynard remembers 1972 and Union Leader's battle with the University of NH

Even a Politician's Teen Daughter was Fair Game
Concord Monitor

Gov. Meldrim Thomson
Loeb's favorite candidate profiled on NH state web site

Kennedy Attacked as Communist in NH
NH State Web Site

History of the NH First-in-Nation Primary
By former NH Governor Hugh Gregg

FAMILY

Nacky Loeb Dies at 75

William Loeb Jr. During Assassination of McKinley
Secretary to Roosevelt, Loeb's father broke the news to the new president.

Loeb and Teddy Roosevelt
The McKinley assassination on a Roosevelt web site

Loeb Family Tree, Genealogy

NEWSPAPERS

Manchester Union Leader Web Site
Loeb did not live long enough to see the Internet. Now his web site is produced at the UL offices on William Loeb Drive in Manchester

St. Albans Messenger
William Loeb's first newspaper was in Vermont

IN MEMORIUM

Loeb Plaza
On the New Hampshire Heritage Trail

William Loeb Memorial Fund

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Photo: Courtesy of Gary Anderson, Cineworks & NH Movies
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