By Kathy Oswalt-Forsythe
A month ago, fellow Rotarian Warren Lawrence presented me with a special gift: a Norman Rockwell print “The Country Editor,” framed and prized by his late wife, Jackie. I am honored and touched by this special recognition and by Warren’s kindness.
Warren has spent most of his life in Vicksburg where he is a tireless volunteer; he has supported most community projects and non-profits in some way. He was and is instrumental in promoting the benefits and legacy of endowed funds. He believes in them. He contributes to them. He is diligent in his efforts, saying “these are gifts that will keep on giving long after we are gone” whenever he is given the opportunity.
He has always been one of the most forward-thinking people I know. I treasure my life-long relationship with this community leader.
Our little town has always found a newspaper important. Until thirty years ago, that paper was a weekly, with regular reporters, editorials, letters to the editor, and a significant number of subscribers.
I was a regular visitor in the 60s and 70s to the Main Street newspaper office, at that time owned and operated by Bernice and Meredith Clark. It was a busy place. We were greeted at the front of the office and helped with whatever we needed: newspaper subscription, advertising query, printing need, or just a question about some local happening.
The office looked very much like Rockwell’s picture, and familiar people were always busy putting the paper together.
Mason Bishop, typesetter, worked near the printing press; Meredith and Bernice Clark, editor and business manager, maintained a tidy, efficient presence; and writers and local businesspeople came and went throughout the day.
According to “A Tale of One Village,” by Dr. Arle Schneider, the front-page subhead in the 1970s, the line right below “The Commercial-Express”, was “The Voice of Kalamazoo County.” It was a respected, vital publication.
At one time Warren and Jackie owned The Commercial Express, and I imagine it was not only a very busy time for the couple but a good fit. Like the owners and editors before them, Warren and Jackie were committed to the project and found rewards in their efforts.
Eventually the model and business style had to change. Our paper is now produced monthly with a printing run of around 12,000. We no longer have a newspaper office. Each contributor works remotely, usually from home, and submits work electronically. While there are no walk-ins or regular visitors, when I work in the coffee shop or library, I often chat with folks who regularly suggest story ideas.
I imagine the editorial process is like the system forty years ago—careful, thoughtful and precise—but today we conduct it digitally.
We no longer publish editorials and opinion pieces. We stay away from political discussion and analysis. Readers have already heard or read world, national, and state news before our monthly paper appears in their mailbox. But what our community appreciates, perhaps even craves, are features about people making a difference, governmental bodies following through on difficult decisions, or school age children’s successes.
Small town newspapers emphasize the importance of community, of shared experiences, of finding the best in one another, things that Warren and the publishers before him always valued and supported. These beliefs provide meaning and purpose to the writing and work.
I am honored by not just this beautiful gift, but by what it represents: promoting community and our shared experience. What a privilege I have—every one of us has—in being a part of it through a community paper.
It’s a fine life.
