William retired in 1942, but Robert remained the publisher for 48 years. After Robert's death in 1953, his wife Alice, became publisher. In 1956 their son, Walter P. Telfer, became publisher. Donald, who is Walter's son, entered the business in 1967 and took over as publisher and editor. The tradition of Telfer ownership ended when the Humboldt Journal was sold to the current owner, Prairie Publishing Ltd.

Over the years, the Humboldt Journal has occupied various locations. The first shop was set up in a corner of George Bushey's poolroom located at 517-9th Street.

The first edition of the Humboldt Journal was dated Oct. 19, 1905. It cost a dollar for one year's subscription. It was five columns in width and was printed one page at a time by foot power on a Gordon Press. The type was set by hand, one letter at a time. Linotype, an easier printing method, was later used at the paper, but again, only one page could be printed at a time. The job became less tedious as new equipment was developed which could print several pages at once.

Although the Humboldt Journal has undergone several management, location and technological changes, it has remained a strong business for 90 years.