In late September, I had the honor of sitting on a panel that addressed a subject near and dear to my heart: newspapers in Harrisburg.
For over an hour, my fellow panelists and I chewed over the history of the news industry here—the many buildings that have been home to newspapers and the colorful journalists who worked in them.
There was a ton of information, lots of memories and plenty of nostalgia during the lengthy program, which was organized by Historic Harrisburg Association. If you haven’t seen the video, I strongly encourage checking it out via HHA’s website and Facebook page.
I’ll admit, though, that I left the event feeling a little sad.
This was an HHA forum, so, the focus, of course, was on history. Nonetheless, I couldn’t help but think that so much had been lost and, unfortunately, would never return.
There was a time when reporters, editors, salespeople, pressmen, etc., were crawling all over this town. Harrisburg newspapers employed hundreds of people, and out-of-town statehouse correspondents packed the Capitol newsroom.
Over the years, I’ve spoken with old-timers who fondly remember this vibrant, often crazy, time and profession. News people worked hard and played hard, packing local bars after work to tell colorful (and off-color) stories, crack jokes and share tips. By the time I got to Harrisburg, this culture was mostly gone, and the pandemic has taken what little remained.
On the brighter side, TheBurg is most certainly still here!
When I co-founded this publication, I felt it was important for us to have a physical presence in the city. I continue to feel that way. Most days, you’ll find us in our office right here on 3rd Street. And, if we’re not in, you can be certain that our small but mighty team is somewhere on the streets, like the many hard-working, local journalists who came before us.
I hope you’ll find our current issue up to the high standards set by our long-gone predecessors. In it, we have a vibrant mix of community news, features, happenings, profiles, etc., and, as has become a tradition each November, extensive coverage of local businesses as they begin to gear up for the busy holiday shopping season.
I also hope that you’ll patronize the retailers, restaurants and other businesses featured in our issue and that advertise with TheBurg. We rely on their (and your) support to carry on the long legacy of quality journalism in Harrisburg.
Lawrance Binda
Co-Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
Click here to read the digital version of our November issue.
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