(The following essay discusses Edward Lewis Gaylord and his father, Edward King Gaylord.)

For more than ninety years the Gaylords, father and son, have dominated print journalism in Oklahoma. The Daily Oklahoman--initially under the leadership of Edward King Gaylord and now under the guidance of Edward Lewis Gaylord--has grown into the leading newspaper throughout the state. Staunchly conservative in their politics and overall outlook on life, the Gaylords, particularly E. K., were progressive in their business activities. Their Oklahoma Publishing Company has been a leader in adopting the latest journalism technology, and the Gaylords successfully promoted the growth and development of Oklahoma and its capital city.

The Gaylords' impact on Oklahoma's development began prior to its admission to statehood in 1907. E. K. Gaylord became part-owner of the Daily Oklahoman in Oklahoma City and established the Oklahoma Publishing Company in 1903. He was born on a farm in Muscotah...