Joseph Atkinson, a Toronto publisher and journalist, is remembered as one of the city’s most influential figures in the publishing industry. He began his career as an editor and eventually became the owner and publisher of the Toronto Star.
Under Atkinson’s leadership, the Toronto Star rose to prominence as one of Canada’s most influential newspapers, serving as a platform for discussions on social legislation. Learn more about Atkinson’s life and career on torontoski.info.
Finding His Path
Joseph Atkinson was born on December 23, 1865, in Newcastle, Ontario, as the youngest of eight children. His mother, Hannah, became a widow when Joseph was just six months old. To support her family, she opened a boarding house.
At the age of 18, Atkinson began working at the Port Hope Times, where his responsibilities included clerical work, writing reports, and preparing articles. Despite his hard work, his salary was minimal. When his request for a raise was denied in 1888, he left Port Hope Times and joined the Toronto World as a reporter.
In 1889, Atkinson moved to the Toronto Globe, where he covered the Ontario legislature for two years. In 1892, he married writer Elmina Elliott, who managed the women’s page of the Globe.
In 1897, Atkinson became the editor-in-chief of the Montreal Herald. By 1899, he received an invitation from John Willison to join the Toronto Evening Star, which was being sold to a group of Toronto liberals.
Atkinson agreed on several conditions, including a high salary and stock options that would eventually grant him majority control over the newspaper. His terms were accepted, and in the winter of 1899, he was appointed editor of the Toronto Evening Star.
Journalism Career and Achievements
When Atkinson assumed his role, the Toronto Evening Star had the smallest circulation among Toronto’s six newspapers. By 1903, it had surpassed the city’s leading publications. By 1909, it boasted the highest circulation in Toronto.
Atkinson’s success stemmed from his principles and convictions. He supported censorship of morally questionable cultural works and actively promoted temperance. These stances earned him the nickname “Saint Joe.”
A staunch advocate for human rights, Atkinson pursued justice throughout his career. He did not shy away from confronting political officials, criticizing their work, and championing social causes, earning public admiration and loyalty.
One of Atkinson’s most notable accomplishments during his first decade at the Toronto Evening Star was establishing two charitable funds for underprivileged children.
In 1901, he created a fund to provide children with opportunities to attend camps and other recreational activities. His Santa Claus Fund, established later, delivered Christmas gifts to families in need.
Atkinson used the Toronto Evening Star to promote the Liberal Party’s policies. In 1916, he chaired the party’s committee and helped introduce social reforms, including wage increases for various professionals and pension programs.
After World War I, Atkinson tackled significant issues in the Toronto Evening Star. He supported the Winnipeg General Strike, the creation of a provincial hydroelectric company, and the Toronto Transit Commission.
Joseph Atkinson passed away on May 8, 1948. In his will, he bequeathed the Toronto Evening Star to the Atkinson Charitable Foundation. All profits from the newspaper were dedicated to charitable causes.
By 1952, the foundation had distributed over $330,000 to universities and hospitals. Atkinson’s legacy as a pioneer of socially conscious journalism and a champion of philanthropy continues to influence Canadian media and society.