A study evaluated the beginnings of the Minnesota Press Council in 1971, particularly the thinking of those involved in the earliest stages of the formation of the council. Oral history interviews with two people involved in the establishment of the council were supplemented with minutes of meetings and compared to an earlier study of the council to verify factual information. Results of the evaluation indicated that part of the reason for the longevity of the council is the continued support of a "champion for the cause" and lack of extensive philosophical discussion about establishing a press council. Results also indicated that: (1) the Minnesota Newspaper Association board members intended to create an internal discussion group instead of a quasi-legal body; (2) members of the council were chosen for their individual integrity rather than to represent special interests; and (3) newspapers supported the actions of the council, contrary to the expectations of some of the founders of the council. (Forty-nine footnotes are included.) (RS)