HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1975-05-29, Page 731 Dec. 1 0 9 8 7- 6'5 4
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Entries from Goy
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AUDREY M. ROYAL
The Goderic ignal-Star is to me the
thread that waves and pulls the Community
together. Jus as Lucie, the.heroine of Charles
Dicken's `Tale of Two Cities' was the fine but
strong golden thread woven throughout .that
story, so our hometown paper is viewed as the
thread that weaves; itself through the lives of
the people of this community. The Signal -Star
draws in ,the happenings -of the surrounding
rural'districts having such historical names
as Colborne,' Auburn, Dungannon,, ,
Kingsbridge and Lochalsh.
To understand thestrength- of ;this- tenuous
'thread in the town of Goderich itself, we have
CO examine and accept the peculiar
geographical layout of our Town. We can
perhaps do this best through, the mind's eye of
the former Goderichite; whether he lives in
Sylvan Lake, Alberta, Ottawa, or is wintering
in Florida. He eagerly awaits his weekly copy
of the Signal -Star. The life of the community
is all there in the paper for this subscriber to
reflect on.
He feels the throb of the business section
affectionately' known as The Square which
• includes the park and has the Huron County
courthouse in the centre. He lets his mind's
eye wander down one of the `spokes' leading
from The Square to the harbour because he
sees in the Signal -Star a picture of the mayor
presenting the top hat to the captain who has
c safely brbught the first ship of the season
through the spring ice.
But the newcomer to our Town, perhaps just
moved into the newly -built up area and feeling
very much an alien, is not reflecting' dreamy
thoughts of'The Square or harbour when 'he
buys that first copy of the Signal -Star: No, he
probably is thumbing his way straight to the
,classified ads with. maybe a passing glance at
the theatre page, church listings .or sports
news.
Suddenly he sees a familiar face in agroup
picture. It gives him a feeling ,of knowing
some -..one in this new t$wn for it may be 'a
picture of the fellow he has passed daily at the
plant or office. Surely, too, many a lonely
woman, new to town, has read,appreciatively
of the Ladies Day Out where both she and her
children will,be made welcome.
• That is what the Signal -Star has meant to
me over -the past fifteen years and continues
to mean; it is the thread drawing us all closer.
Who can help but feel- a part of this com-
munity when yap read the delightful accounts
of school happenings written by students and
look at the excellent pictorial coverage given
the schools' big events be they scholastic,
dramatic, musical or sports.
Who can feel a stranger for long when they
read the folksy column `Round and About' With
Martha'? And in our area, you know spring is
4 finally just around the corner when you read
the plans for golf, sailing and soccer. You also
realize you had better look for the snowboots,
skates and siliis, when the call goes out in the
Fall for Hockey coaches and there is a write-
up in our paper about ice time for the Figure
Skating'Club.
But, seriously, the Signal -Star means ,mare
to me than a 'Who's Who' enterprise.
It means integrity as it reports fairly and
objectively the dilemmas eal levels
governments grapple with asthey stmPt to
and
smoothly integrate sarea. I growth
1 that
predominately agricultural
our editorial page often faces us bravely with
harsh home -truths that we would rather 'not
think about, flet alone see in print. On that
page too, we find .letters to the editor, quite
often „controversial and not always com-
plimentary to the paper, which are'still given
their share of the print.
You see, the Signal -Star, this local paper we
take for granted-everyoften
week, is the special
golden thread gently but firrhly (and
an
and maintain asteady binding
together
a'y
buildwfriendly
community.
•
MRS. SANDRA ORR
If you've glanced over the Signal Star in the
last few weeks you cduldn't but notice that.
Goderich seems to be teeming with activity --
joggers jogging, skaters skating, planters
planting -- people making an effort to.. raise
money for their community -- the high school,
' the skating club. •
Then there's the bevy of .volunteers (page
after page) who give their time not for money
but for the good feeling they get from caring
enough tohelp others.
As I read the paper; I think, by gosh, if I'm
not doing anything maybe I'd better be. 4 -
paper that takes such an avid interest in what
we are doing will surely stimulate us off our
butts. I can purge the inertia in my brain`and
get doing.
Do we depend on the paper? Well, just the
other day there, something somewhere was
happening that I didn't know 'about and. my
friend said, "it was in the paper, didn't you
see it?"
guess that's it, isn't it," I said
shamefaced because I'd just finished glancing
through it. -"If it's'in the paper, then we should
know about it."
Every week, practically, there's something
worth clipping. And"I'd better keep the paper
around for several weeks -- clipped to, Shreds --
just in case we've missed something. For if
I'm asked for the Signal Star and it's not to be
found, all I get are blank stares and loud
mutterings.
Only if the paper is a month old do I feel safe
in clearing the place out (by now, there isn't a
chair in the kitchen that 4sn't loaded with a
stack of papers). It's a good thing a keepsake
issue is published at the end of the year to let
us reminisce.
We like to hear about the things we already
know all over ;again --especially • from
somebody else's point of view. Take the last
sneaky snowstorm in the spring. We were
snowed in, . tremulous thankful we had the
freezer full just in case we were in for a spring
of it. We talked about nothing else for a week
(it was the first big„ snowstorm all year -- it
hadn't been a decent winter), but we still
wanted tr) hear (or see) how somebody else
made out. " .
There's something for everybody. Clabbers
like club' news. If you' like you can read
Dungannon Doings, Kingsbridge Kapers,
Garden Gossip, and even From the Horses'
Mouth. People like stories on ordinary and
not -so -ordinary people. . budding artists,
lady postmen, politicians.
There are stories from the, past -- like W.E.
Elliott's interesting stories of i Bill Forrest.
There's always somebody, in my circle at
least, who remembers ,a bit of the story when
'he reads the article that otherwise would
remain undusted.
The thing that stands out in our community
paper is the good that's in it, the people. It's
not often that you see the ill-advised things
people do written- up, the scrapes they' get
themselves into, or `. the violence and
catastrophe that's on most of the pages'of the
dailies -- it happens here, mind you, just not
that often.
Our paper is more than ads and notices, who
has a travel trailer for sale, wants a pony or
has a house on Sunset up for offers.
Our paper is how we shape.ourselves, from
the past, for now and the future. Were alive;
we're trying. We always have been and. that's
what counts,
TANYA ABERHART
Dear Little Black and White Friend:
Many years ago I entered this worldin a
blaze of glory. You dediritPd a- few- lutes of
announcement in a place. where concerned
family friends were able to see thein and
rejoice in the news. I was officially
welcomed! Thanks for the recognition.
In my early years you were the source of
great inspiration and creativity to me. I would
mould you into beautiful papier- mache ob-
,jects d'art. Because' of your ever -
watchfulness, I -could fingerpaint to my'
heart's content, unafraid of marring the
hardwood shine of the floor below. Soon,
however, you began to take on a different role.
I would watch you faithfully every week for
news of the Saturday Matinee. And'will I ever
forget the thrill of having my picture on the
very first pageof the second section? ,
When high school days began I searched •
you dilligently until I finally found that per -
feet little part-time job tucked neatly in the
corner of the I -IE LP WANTED.
Thank you for advertising our choir fund
raising activities and for that wonderful
feature story you gave us when we won at the
festival. I have a scrapbook full of precious'
clippings. You have given me back memories
of long lost friends. I still do curse the black
smudges from that,awful ink that seems to get
all over everything. I still am angry,that,you
misspelled my name when I .won that lucky
draw back in '61. Nevertheless, I am very
grateful to you. '
Thankyou for the beautiful wedding picture
and .story. You made it sound all the more
exciting. (I didn't look THAT radiant! )
I hope you', :will help us find that dream
house we've been looking for and that .you will
give us an idea of how much the asking price
for dreams is, now that we are "in the
' market." Please help us find good homes for
that unexpected litter of pups as painlessly' as
possible. Help me spread the word that my
oldest son has finally made it through
university.
Thankyou editor, for having the guts to give
us blazes when we need`it. I have neither the
courage nor the opportunity to say those
things myself. Anyway; I'd rather , let
someone else . do it. Thanks also for
acknowledging the fine work done in our town.
Often we do not know who deserves the credit.
Times are getting tougher, my, friend, and I
know I'll need your help 'even more when I
grow older. With food prices'the way they are,
your shopping ads prove to be very useful. By
having this information at my fingertips,' I
can save so many steps knowing where to buy
bran cereal at a premium and whose house
brand prune juice offers the best bargain.
If you'd do a dandy ad for fhe auction sale of
our belongings I'm sure it will help us get a
better price. I'm relying on you to provide
some clues regarding another little place for
us to stay.
Soon, I'll be too crotchety for anyone to be
bothered with me. I'll just pick .,you up and
keep up with the local "goings-on';, that way.
"50"YEARS AGO" will really mean
something then. The recollection of 'familiar
old names will be bittersweet. Maybe
someone will visit me out where I am and I'll
have my name in the paper again!
When at last Z merit my Mal article, I ask
you to be kind. As the old joke goes, it's not so
much what you say that worries me, but - for
1 ,gosh sakes- this time, please spell my name
right! w
DORA M. WASHINGTON
THE GODERICH SIGNAL STAR
128th year
Circulation approx. 4200
.A trim little vessel loaded with news
special features.
"Pott of origin: Goderich on Lake Huron
Crew, about 41 news -minded people who make
a a..good job of fulfilling. the. two concepts
suggested by the name, "Signal Star".
Destination: 4200 homes in Goderich and
surrounding area, -even far beyond.
Let's. go aboard and look sharp : •
Captain's Quarters and.Bridge: (editorial and
management) Capable hands at the helm
contribute editorials and comment, .
challenging, thoughtful, relevant,
'signalling alertness and progress,and
concern for the community.
Amidships: (news reports and features) Fine
reporter -photography. Interesting popular
special features, --To name few:
. Shirley Keller's "Dear Readers", a com-
petentreview of local and world problems -
well -analyzed.
"Martha's . Round and About," cheerful,
folksy, with a genuine hometown flavour.
,Bill Smiley's "Sugar 'n' Spice, true to its
name, at once acid .and sweet, often salty ,
and shocking, wiry wit, welcome relief
from the headaches of everyday living.
Breezy correspondents from •all points of
and
eompalls_sead.; m_liyely reports of events in
their own communities.
Around, the Decks: (Letters to the Editor) '
Popular corner, somewhat windy at times,
but appreciated; Conflicting winds of
public opinion sometirnes blow up storms,
often the offender is scuttled by gales from
other quarters, most prevailing winds,
however, gentle and -reasonable, especially
those Warm breezes from former„ residents
writing -to express appreciation for the
hometown paper.
Cargo: (Paid advertising, lus some
"goodwill") This cargo is heavy and
valuable, well -distributed throughout the
paper so as not to disturb readers' ballast,
tastefully displayed, attractively designed,
representing many businesses and . ser-
',vices,- signalling prosperity to all 'hand- .
s...Extra cargo is carried during Young
Canada Week, when a small daily covering
hockey .events is published. Subscriptions
include weekly TV Guide and bi-monthly
Huron Shoppers' Guide Supplement.
Also in the Hold: (Printing and Press) Salute,
our printers with "3.long and 2 short." Our
paper arrives shipshape, in clear type on
good northern newsprint. (Can almost sniff
those spruces!) No messy smudges when
handling sheets,- pages clean as a gull's
wing.
Splicing the Main'Brace: Our weekly excels
here ---Festive advertisers help crew to
launch cheerful, seasonable Christmas and
Holiday Issues,- readers contribute joyous
holiday ,potions. Historical anniversaries,
...
special local events, educational and sports
achievements are given top -mast reat-
ment, 'complete with outstanding
photography, -a star performance of the
reporting crew.
So much tor signals, What of the Guiding
Stars?
Spiritual thin.gs`1 ale. not neglected.
Thoughtful features," such as "From the' -,
Minister's Study" and "Singing Waters"
help us ponder life's eternal verities, not
only its sorrows but its joys. On the same.
, page,. a good survey of church services;>and
.special church events, eeps us informed of
a lively interest in things of,the spirit.
Half -Mast (Obituaries) Worthy' of special
note; - Most weeklies offer a gentleness of
reporting here, not apparent in the larger
dailies... Our own weekly exhibits a certain
tenderness in its • heading, "To These
Farewell", a warm intimacy in the written
tribute, surely comforting to the bereaved, -
a tie which binds the community.
Looking Aft: (Historical Events) The Signal
Star fosters a distinct sense°of history and
contihuity. ,A glance at the figure, 128th
year, modestly.displayed on the front page,
demonstrates the long service of our
weekly, recalling the ._past. The backward
look is outstandingly aided by the fine
historical articles of Mr. W.E. Elliott and
others, who look t.loft and direct us to the
guiding stars of integrity, courage under
difficulties, and unwavering faith, which
are our heritage.
So ----Ahoy to our valued .hometown paper,
The Signal Star, and to all its worthy sister n
weeklies! You signal us with friendly,
competent service,- our signal to you is:
"Smooth Sailing, Fair Winds; and Follow
your Star."
BY MERVYN R. HOY
. o d
Although I have heard many complaints
and wise cracks over the years regarding our
local paper, and have from time to time added
a few of my own, with comments such as, "I
have a couple of minutes to spare, so I may as
well read the Signal -Star, as that is about the
required time to go through it." Seriously 1
believe our local paper is tops when it comes
to comparing'weekly newspaper's. a
It may not stand comparison to the Toronto
Star, may
the Chicago Tribune, but then we are
not living in Toronto or Chicago, thank
goodness.
The Sigr}al Star saves me time, in that in-
stead of writing out details, when informing
distant friends,and ,relatives of local hap-
penings, I forwrd local news clippings etc.,
from the Signal.
The Signal .Star saves me considerable
money, and time, as it provides me with an up..
to date bargain-guide,for shopping in our area.
It also keeps our family well posted on up-
coming events in entertainmentetc., and also
provides an excellent coverage of news,
sports, and TV programming.
I' find its editorials most interesting ,and
usually unbiased and fair when dealing with
controversial subjects. The local columnists ,
deserve much credit for making the Signal a
top notch _ weekly, . with their balanced
coverage of all the interesting events and
happenings of the town and the surrounding
area.School .events, and . human ;; interest
stories have also added much to the Signals
good coverage over the years. We have
clippings and pictures of- our children and
friends that we have taken out of the Signal
'over the years and kept, this personal touch
found' in our local, paper has helped build our
appreciation of our home town paper.
Small services our paper. provides such as
time changes to and from standard time are
often not, appreciated but when these small
services are all added up, large important
service is rendered to;our community,
I believe a continued comic strip such as,
"Archie" would be a 'good addition to our
paper, asit would add a bit of humor, in LL
contrast to the sad news - of rising taxes, etc„
and would encourage occasional buyers of the '
Signal Star to buy regularly.
•
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