This is the first issue of The Paper. Through the efforts of many, many neighbors and friends in the west end community, it is yours to read and enjoy.
The idea for such a paper is an old one. But it wasn’t until a few weeks ago that interests coalesced and plans materialized. The Paper is a pioneer effort for our neighborhood.
All the work for this first issue has been voluntary. Some staff members have been able to work two or three days a week, while others just two or three hours.
The Paper is printed on machines at Washington University. The University has let the staff use the machines and provided $30 to pay part of the costs of an operator. The Rosedale-Skinker Neighborhood Improvement Association donated $80 to the newspaper. The rest of the cost was met by advertising bought by our local merchants. We greatly appreciate this help.
The Paper has the sole objective of representing the entire community by expressing the views and concerns of all who live here – young and old, and those in every economic class. The Paper wishes to be a voice of communication within the community so that neighbors may learn more about those who live around them. We hope to provide a means of freely discussing pertinent problems. We intend to cover every news event that happens in or affects our community.
To succeed as a viable community newspaper, The Paper must have an active response from the people. The Paper needs the volunteer efforts of all who are interested, to assure that every section of our community is represented.
Production of such a paper entails more than just literary skills. Art work, soliciting ads, typing and circulation are all vital parts of the job. Anyone interested in helping in some way may contact a member of the staff.
In acting as an organ of communication, The Paper will carry a Letters to the Editor column. We invite you to use this column to voice opinions on previous articles, current issues–anything you feel is important.
Also in keeping with the spirit of a community newspaper, classified ads will be free to residents of the entire area. They will be printed on a first come, first served basis in the space allowed.
We think The Paper is unique. We know of no other non-commercial paper in St. Louis which is written and produced by the volunteer efforts of a community. How successful we are depends on your support.
