Sherburne History Center

Sherburne History Center
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Friday, January 15, 2016

Newspapers: First Recorders of History

Newspapers serve as the first recorders of history.  Their content provides invaluable information. 

A truly unique collection of newspapers published by the Becker Schools reside in the collections of the Sherburne History Center Library and Archives.  These papers provide unique insight into the community and the activities of the area.  Known simply as The Beacon, the collection of newspapers ranges from 1942 to 1944.  Publishing in the midst of the war, the reporters for the school paper took a very serious tone while they provided news of the schools and of the community. 

An example of the serious tone of the paper, the front pages of the December 10, 1942 The Beacon reported the details of the draft registration scheduled for the week of December 18 to December 24, 1942.  The paper also reported on the scheduled blackout test on December 14.  “In Becker the fire bell will be rung at intervals of 5 seconds as a signal that the black out is beginning,” the paper reported.  “Twenty minutes later the fire bell will be rung continuously for two minutes to indicate that the black out is over.” 

On a lighter note, local community gossip within the school and around Becker was also published.  From “Senior News” to the “Primary Grades” events were reported.  “We were pleasantly surprised on Friday when Phyllis brought two tiny turtles to school.  We all enjoy our new pets very much,” the primary grades reported.  While the senior news discussed the physics class explorations in fire and heat. 

Community news also prevailed.  “Lorraine Cox visited at her home Saturday and Sunday.”  Meanwhile, “Mr. Koester and Nina Koester visited at the Henry Fox home Wednesday evening.”

Although they are mimeographed copies of newspapers, the information contained on these pages show the unique personality of Becker, Minnesota in the midst of World War Two.  The local character of the pages provide insight that cannot be found anywhere else.

Front Page Becker Beacon 
Thanksgiving issue, 
25 November 1942


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