“Geauga in Print: Part Three”

c. 2011 Rod Ice
All rights reserved
(9-11)




It has often been said that each page of a newspaper represents a moment in history.

I was reminded of that truism once again, while continuing my search through the vast library of newspaper archives that is available online.

One might believe that a small corner of the world like Geauga County would have little to offer in this context. But, a quick read through the entries contained here will provide evidence that such a conclusion is false, indeed:

The Vindicator, November 7, 1992

“CHARDON, Ohio - The Geauga Times Leader is ceasing publication after 26 years, Thomson Newspapers Corp. has announced. The northeast Ohio daily newspaper will end with its edition today, said Michael W. Johnston, president and chief executive officer. It had a circulation of 8,700. ‘In recent years, we have made tremendous investments in the Chardon newspaper,’ Johnston said. ‘Unfortunately, despite gains in readership that have been made by the paper, poor financial success and limited prospect for improvement have forced the decision to close.’ The newspaper had 44 full time and part time employees. They were told of the decision Friday afternoon. Some of the staff will be transferred to other Thomson newspapers. Job workshops and career counseling was scheduled for other employees. ‘This is a sad day for all of us here, as I’m sure it is for our loyal readers and advertisers,’ said Pamela A. Stricker, publisher. The Times Leader was the only daily newspaper in Geauga County, one county east of Cleveland. The Times Leader was created over many years following the merger of weekly newspapers in Chardon, Middlefield and Burton. In 1955, the paper was bought by D. C. Rowley, who headed the Painesville Telegraph Co. The Times Leader bought the rival Geauga Record in 1962. It became Geauga County’s first daily newspaper in 1966. Less than a year later, a Saturday edition was started. A Sunday paper, in the form of a zoned edition of the Painesville Telegraph, was introduced in the mid 1970’s. In 1984, Rowley sold his group of newspapers to Dean Singleton’s MediaNews Group. Thomson Newspapers bought the Times Leader from Singleton in 1988. Chicago-based Thomson Newspapers owns 19 other Ohio newspapers.”

Youngstown Vindicator, November 30, 1957

“Chardon, Ohio – A proposal to live with his wife and mistress was advanced Friday by County Welfare Director James D. Lisle who has admitted fathering an illicit child of a 35-year-old divorcee. His offer came as he prepared a written reply to immoral conduct charges leveled by county commissioners who suspended him for 30 days on Monday. Lisle said he will hand them his defense letter, and said he intends to fight to the end for his $5,280 post. ‘I realize the conflict such an arrangement would face in a monogamous society,’ Lisle said, ‘and my wife and the other woman undoubtedly will not agree at first. But with understanding, they may come to change their feelings.’”

Ocala Star-Banner, October 14, 1954

“CLEVELAND – Sen. Thomas A. Burke yesterday became a victim of mudslinging – literally. The Ohio Democrat was discussing agriculture problems with a farmer in Geauga County while movie cameras recorded the scene. At a cameraman’s suggestion, several cows were lured into the background with stalks of corn to add authenticity. Then one cow departed unexpectedly from the script. She tried for a new grip on a particularly bothersome stalk and swished it over the ground, splattering Burke from head to toe with gooey, barnyard mud.”

The Painesville Telegraph, March 28, 1900

“COLLECTING EVIDENCE - William Martin of Chardon, has been at work during the past few days collecting samples of oleomargerine. As soon as the chemist finishes analyzing them, prosecutions will be commenced against the violators of the law. Mr. Martin is the deputy food inspector for this district and the farmers throughout the state have been making it so warm for the pure food department that they are forced to take some action in the matter.”

“OLEOMARGERINE DECISION – The decision by the supreme court in the case of State of Ohio against Henry Ransick, on error from Hamilton County, will interest a large number of persons. Ransick was a dealer in butter in Cincinnati and was arrested under the oleomargerine law. The butter he sold contained less than eighty percent, of fat and it was claimed that under the law named it came under the head of oleomargerine. Ransick set up the claim that it was pure butter and the lower court held that it was not oleomargerine and that decision has been confirmed by the supreme court. The case will be reported.”

Journalism is one of mankind’s most important and enduring activities. Because, through words written today, we will live on for our descendants, in the glow of tomorrow.

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