Back to the future
I stumbled across a souvenir edition of the old Sun-Telegram from Jan. 23, 1949 - the day after our old downtown facility opened. It was a fascinating reminder of the newspaper's history, San Bernardino's past, and how the more things change, the more they stay the same.
Some tidbits:
- The Sun was founded on Sept. 1, 1894 by W.A. Selkirk and N.J. Levinson, "but they quickly disappeared under the impact of the economic difficulties that traditionally mark the launching of a newspaper enterprise."
- "San Bernardino was a hotbed of Secessionists during the Civil War, and there was much unrest and lawlessness. Fights were common with or without and excuse."
- In 1949, The Sun and other newspapers were fighting to recapture audience and advertisers who were being lured away by alternative media. "When radio first came into the picture, it took a big chunk of national advertising away from the newspapers," said H.P. Graham, then-general manager of The Sun's ad department.
And finally this, in the category perhaps of "don't let your words come back to haunt you" - a congratulatory ad from the county Board of Supervisors:
"As champions always of the cause of right, the San Bernardino Sun and Evening Telegram will be honored down through the years of future generations and this building will stand as a monument for justice ... on behalf of all the people of San Bernardino County, we wish you continued prosperity and success."