The Optimist Printers was established in 1906 as a weekly newspaper and job shop called The Dalles Optimist, with a subscription rate of $1.50 per year. The founding Owner / Publisher Addison Bennett described the origin of the paper in its first issue: “It was simply born because I wanted to re-enter the newspaper field, and in looking around for a location, I selected The Dalles as the place apparently offering conditions the nearest my ideals.”

Addison Bennett sold The Dalles Optimist in 1932. In 1958 the weekly newspaper was sold to The Dalles Chronicle with the commercial printing portion of the business being renamed to The Optimist Printers. The Optimist Printers has changed ownership four times over the past 100 years but what hasn’t changed is its commitment to its service, quality of product and its dedication to its customers. Current owner Matt Herriges, has been here since 1981 and will continue to provide the community with the same commitment.