Enterprise dedicates historical marker

The Texas Panhandle’s first newspaper and Clarendon’s oldest business dedicated a state historical marker last Thursday in observance of its 125th anniversary.

Mayor Tex Selvidge gave the official welcome during ceremonies at The Clarendon Enterprise, which was established June 1, 1878, as The Clarendon News. Current publisher Roger Estlack gave a brief history of the newspaper and the men and women who shaped its history.

“Each editor brought his own style and his own beliefs and introduced progressively changing technology from Ed Carhart’s handset type to Joe Warren’s Linotype to the digital revolution begun by Bob Williams,” the publisher said. “From Blake to Beville to Braswell and from Estlack to Singleton to Woody – each editor has made their own contribution and left their own lasting mark.”

Donley County Historical Commission Chairman Jean Stavenhagen spoke of the paper being here since the beginning of the town while other businesses were started, prospered, and then passed into history.

“We are here today to honor the long line of men and women who worked diligently through the years to get the news to the presses and the newspapers to the community,” she said.

Stavenhagen then presided over the unveiling and read the inscribed text of the marker.

Following the ceremonies, 112 people toured the Enterprise’s newly remodeled offices and enjoyed cake and refreshments.

Ken Long with the Texas Press Association flew from Austin for the event and presented the Enterprise with a certificate for esteeming “to the highest standards of Texas journalism” and recognizing the paper as a leader in the newspaper industry.

Also in attendance were representatives from area newspapers, several former employees of the local paper, and numerous friends, readers, and advertisers.

No one came with the much talked about first issue for which a $1,000 reward has been offered. But Willene Judd did win the oldest newspaper contest with the February 17, 1893, edition of The Industrial West.  She received $125.

“We appreciate Mrs. Judd’s participation in the contest and everyone else who brought in old copies of the paper,” Estlack said. “We’re not giving up on that first edition though. Everyone keep digging, because our offer still stands. We’ll give $1,000 for the first edition of The Clarendon News dated June 1, 1878.”