Many happy returns
The Recorder celebrates 110 years with community
The fall sunshine was matched in warmth by appreciative community members as The Recorder celebrated its 110th anniversary Saturday with a party at its office in downtown Porterville.
More than 100 people stopped in to enjoy hot dogs and cake, visit with Recorder staff and the community and try their luck winning one of many door prizes and gifts.
The Horns of Gold band provided musical entertainment throughout the day, and bags full of souvenirs were available for guests of all ages. A display with the paper’s publications over the years was a popular stop for visitors as they took in some history, relived some memories and talked about how the look of the paper has evolved over time.
Porterville Chamber of Commerce President Monte Reyes offered his services as emcee for the ceremony portion of the day. First to speak was Recorder Publisher Bill Parsons, who thanked paper staff past and present for contributing their services over the years, then extended a very special thanks to the community members in attendance.
“Most of all we want to thank you, the community, for supporting your hometown newspaper all these years,” said Parsons. Mayor Milt Stowe then
came to the podium, and after commending the paper for its contribution to the community, presented Parsons with a certificate of recognition on the occasion. Rogelio Caudillo, representative from State Senator Andy Vidak’s office also spoke and presented a certificate.
Porterville native and State Assemblyman Devon Mathis attended the event in person and shared a childhood memory of the Recorder, saying that he remembered all the ink-stained hands he and his brother had from working a paper route. Mathis then proceeded to read aloud a proclamation from the California State Assembly on the occasion.
After the ceremony, Parsons introduced the current Recorder staff in attendance and invited them to the front to help call winning ticket numbers and pass out door prizes.
In a final display of gratitude to the community for its support, Parsons invited all past Recorder employees and guests to stand with him for a ceremonial ribbon cutting and photo.