LJ Celebrates 125 Years

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The Lakeville Journal’s 125th anniversary gave the newspaper, publisher of Discover Salisbury, the perfect reason to celebrate that milestone with multiple community events in August and September. They began with the opening of the exhibit at the Salisbury Association Academy building, “Life of a Community: The Lakeville Journal Celebrates 125 Years,” on display from Aug. 13 to Oct. 1. Then, on Aug. 14, it was the Anniversary Day Street Fair, free and open to all on Academy Street, with live music, stilt walkers, food stalls, games, free cake and a community tent showcasing area nonprofit organizations.

The Moviehouse in Millerton curated a film series of four great American classics about newspapers and reporting, from Aug. 17 through Sept. 14, drawing enthusiastic audiences for viewing and pre-screening discussion. On Aug. 21, The Sharon Playhouse presented a Patio Cabaret, “What’s in the Daily News?” featuring musical numbers, tap dancing and songs revolving around critics, reviews and current events.

On Sept. 16, The Salisbury Forum held a panel discussion on “The Future of American Journalism,” with Brian Ross, investigative reporter and Lakeville Journal Foundation board member, as moderator. The panel included Martin Baron, former executive editor of The Washington Post; Lakeville Journal Editor John Coston; and Subrata De, executive vice president of VICE News. The video of the evening can be watched online now at www.salisburyforum.org. It’s worth the time spent.

The events concluded with the Newsprint Jubilee Gala Reception, at the Town Grove in Lakeville, where more than 400 people gathered to celebrate local journalism. The host committee was legion and welcoming, co-hosts Carol Kalikow and Jim Montanari tireless in creating an event to remember. Honorary Chairs Meryl Streep and Sam Waterston attended and spoke about the importance of local journalism.

They both received recognition awards of metal facsimiles of the first front page of The Lakeville Journal from Aug. 14, 1897. Streep said that The Lakeville Journal should last as long as the metal pages themselves.

All of the events happened due to the work of the Lakeville Journal Foundation board, especially the development committee headed by Salisbury’s Dan Dwyer, and so many community members who lent their energy to the celebrations generously. Thanks to all of them and to all in the communities The Lakeville Journal covers who took part in the festivities. Such community building is part of the core mission of The Lakeville Journal, which will strive to continue to serve the needs of its readers on into its 126th year and beyond.