50 Years Old!!

 Fifty years and still going strong!

In 1976 the Puslinch Pioneer—a regular, free community newspaper created and distributed wholly by volunteers—was born more or less in my vegetable garden in Puslinch Township south of Guelph. My good friend Judy and I conceived it as a hopeful way to reconcile an agricultural population wary of increasing urbanite invaders. Both of us were relative newcomers.

Many longtime residents, primarily the local council, did not like questions about entrenched ways of doing township business. It was not easy to convince some that the public has a democratic right to know how most governing procedures work—the township was experiencing contentious land issues at the time. Although I personally did not consider myself an “activist,” more than once I faced overt or third-hand harassment.

Good intentions and a handful of supporters saw us through the first shaky year. Writing—about local history, activities, council business, interviews, recipes, gardening, etc—was not a problem; the cost of printing (pre-internet!) and method of distribution were. Some antipathy began to wane as residents looked forward for news of their neighbours ten times per year in their mailbox. Now, of course, a digital option is offered.

                                     At the 10th Anniversary, Brenda and Judy with emcee Don McKinnon

Today we are proud to say that the Puslinch Pioneer is a healthy fifty years old, long since including born-and-bred natives in its volunteer force, and thriving under its current [professional] editorship. Advertising now pays for the necessary expenses. We know of no other regular free community newspaper in the province (or the country?) totally operated by volunteers---although similar projects are recently galvanizing online.

Kudos to a lengthy series of volunteer reporters, writers, editors, advisors, supporters, and the spirit of Puslinch Township!