Eli M. Oboler Library
Ernest F. Stites - Biographical Sketch
MC112
Ernest F. Stites (1889 - 1973)
Ernest F. Stites was a staff writer, columnist and editor for the Idaho State Journal from 1960 to 1972, where he retired to part-time status. He wrote "Ernestly Yours" and "Travel Topics" columns for the Journal.
Mr. Stites was born June 3, 1889, in North Idaho. he was employed by the Pocatello Tribune, predecessor to the Journal, from 1931 to 1950 as telegraph and sports editor. He served as bureau manager here for the Salt Lake Tribune from 1950-1962.
Mr. Stites was well-known as an ardent supporter of wildlife programs, and he was a follower of Idaho State University and other local sports. He was instrumental in organizing the Bengal Gridiron Club with his brother, the late Hayden Stites.
He also organized, and served as president of, the Pioneer League Baseball Writers Association, and was official scorer for the Pocatello Cardinals. Mr. Stites was a native of Idaho's big timber country, and retained a lifelong love of the outdoors. He photographed many of the most scenic and hard-to-reach spots in Idaho, vacationing in rugged mountain country. His father was a sawmill owner and operator and was a boat builder when there was passenger and freight traffic on Hayden and Coeur d'Alene lakes.
Mr. Stites married Catherine E. Buckanaw June 17, 1932. Mrs. Stites also was employed by the Journal for many years in the circulation department before retiring.
Mr. Stites was a Protestant, member of Masonic lodges, El Korah Shrine and Elks. He was active in promoting the charitable works of those organizations
He was a member of the Pocatello Chieftains Council, and a director of the Bengal Gridiron Club.
He died July 21, 1973.
Adapted from an article
printed in the Idaho State Journal 07/22/73