Great history told here, Cheryl. I also worked for Meredith in the SIP, HR/Training, Books, and Broadcasting divisions. I finally fell victim to the layoffs in 2011 after 14 years there. I pass those buildings often and miss what they were like. And I so miss the people there who had incredible knowledge and so much passion for what they did. Thanks for the trip down memory lane!
This was interesting to read, Cheryl—thanks! I worked at Meredith from 2004 to 2016 (I was an editor at their quilting magazines). Much has changed for sure.
I was in Des Moines last month, staying down town, and the cornice-engraved names on the 1716 Locust building caught my attention! Been wondering what was being done inside there!! Thanks for the history. A LOT of the strategies of the founders parallels my ancestors approach to building the Register Tribune / Cowles Media company!
Thank you. It's been about two years since I was in the building, but it had retained its tasteful interior, I'd say. The Register Tribune/Cowles Media – another great history!
Cheryl, thanks for this informative and fun story. I found myself wondering about the Meredith family and the publishing heritage after the name change was recently announced. Two reasons I had special interest: 1) For years, I was a member of St. Mary of Nazareth Catholic Church, which was built on the grounds of the Meredith estate in northwest Des Moines, and our “parish hall” was in the former Meredith Mansion. 2) At some point in mid-career, the good peeps at BH&G contacted me about become the author of “The Man Next Door” column in the magazine. I was intrigued, of course, because of the mag’s circulation of 8 million. However, I said no when I learned I’d have to write as “Burton Hillis” instead of Chuck Offenburger!
Cheryl might know more of the details, but my recollection is “Burton Hillis” was a pen name used by several different writers who wrote the column, “The Man Next Door” over the years. Does BH&G still run it? I recall it as a folksy piece about everyday slices of life, which indeed is what I was known for — but my stuff was real and happened around Iowa, seldom beyond. So I remained Iowa Boy Chuck Offenburger and stayed at the Register (until ‘98), which had circulation of 500,000 on Sundays at 250,000 on weekdays and Saturday; it wasn’t 8 million, but it wasn’t bad!
Ha! This sounds familiar now that you describe it. I do still receive BH & G, and no, it doesn't seem to fit the current "unfolksy" vibe. I think Chuck made the right decision!
As usual, Cheryl, I learned a lot.
Thanks, Dave, for sticking around for "the lesson"!
Great history told here, Cheryl. I also worked for Meredith in the SIP, HR/Training, Books, and Broadcasting divisions. I finally fell victim to the layoffs in 2011 after 14 years there. I pass those buildings often and miss what they were like. And I so miss the people there who had incredible knowledge and so much passion for what they did. Thanks for the trip down memory lane!
Thanks, Connie. Yes, those were the days, weren't they? There's just no going back.
This was interesting to read, Cheryl—thanks! I worked at Meredith from 2004 to 2016 (I was an editor at their quilting magazines). Much has changed for sure.
As a resident of Des Moines since 1980, I was familiar with most of this history. But it was still a fun read!
Thanks, John! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
I was in Des Moines last month, staying down town, and the cornice-engraved names on the 1716 Locust building caught my attention! Been wondering what was being done inside there!! Thanks for the history. A LOT of the strategies of the founders parallels my ancestors approach to building the Register Tribune / Cowles Media company!
Thank you. It's been about two years since I was in the building, but it had retained its tasteful interior, I'd say. The Register Tribune/Cowles Media – another great history!
Thank you for the history lesson of an Iowa icon. Very interesting.
You're welcome, Denise! (Agriculture is the impetus behind so many great stories)
Well done, Cheryl. Fascinating read.
Thanks, Arnold! I appreciate your encouragement!
Thank you for reminding us of the good work of the Meredith family to make Des Moines and our country a better place. ET Meredith was a force.
Thanks, Kathi. Yes, it's all too easy to relegate movers and shakers of a past era to the dustbin of history.
Very interesting history lesson. Thank you. How many years did you work there?
Thanks, Jim. 36 years.
Cheryl, thanks for this informative and fun story. I found myself wondering about the Meredith family and the publishing heritage after the name change was recently announced. Two reasons I had special interest: 1) For years, I was a member of St. Mary of Nazareth Catholic Church, which was built on the grounds of the Meredith estate in northwest Des Moines, and our “parish hall” was in the former Meredith Mansion. 2) At some point in mid-career, the good peeps at BH&G contacted me about become the author of “The Man Next Door” column in the magazine. I was intrigued, of course, because of the mag’s circulation of 8 million. However, I said no when I learned I’d have to write as “Burton Hillis” instead of Chuck Offenburger!
Great story, Chuck! I'll have to ask you more sometime. Thank you!
Who came up with that name?
Cheryl might know more of the details, but my recollection is “Burton Hillis” was a pen name used by several different writers who wrote the column, “The Man Next Door” over the years. Does BH&G still run it? I recall it as a folksy piece about everyday slices of life, which indeed is what I was known for — but my stuff was real and happened around Iowa, seldom beyond. So I remained Iowa Boy Chuck Offenburger and stayed at the Register (until ‘98), which had circulation of 500,000 on Sundays at 250,000 on weekdays and Saturday; it wasn’t 8 million, but it wasn’t bad!
Ha! This sounds familiar now that you describe it. I do still receive BH & G, and no, it doesn't seem to fit the current "unfolksy" vibe. I think Chuck made the right decision!