The Leader turns 85 today.
Through astonishing growth, during economic upticks and downturns, this newspaper has chronicled the people and events shaping this community for more than three-quarters of a century.
Its inaugural four-page edition was printed on July 17, 1929 out of The Leader’s building on Pacific Highway in Cloverdale. The headline on the top story read: “Dairy Far mers Vote To Enforce Milk Bill.”
The reporter described how people had packed the Athletic Hall in Cloverdale to cast ballots on whether new provincial rules governing product sales should be enforced.
It was a lively meeting.
W. L. Macken – director of the Fraser Valley Milk Producers Association – gave a “masterly address.”
During the counting of the ballots, McLelland Moore “kept the audience in a happy mood with humourous songs and merry quips.”
As the group awaited vote results from meetings being held simultaneously in other communities, “Mr. Moore was again called into service with songs and mimicry.”
The resolution to enforce the milk bill passed by a landslide, and the room burst into raucous applause that went on for several minutes. The meeting was then adjourned with the singing of the national anthem.
Also in the inaugural edition, Surrey Leader readers learned that T.A.S. Hamilton spent Tuesday fishing in White Rock and reported a good catch.
“Holeproof” hosiery was on sale at Curtis Dry Goods for $1 a pair.
And fire insurance rates for farm buildings and contents were 40 cents per $100.
Today, you’re not likely to read about a resident’s salmon haul. You also might not be reading this in print – but rather on a computer screen, tablet or mobile phone.
News-writing style is just one of myriad changes the newspaper industry has undergone in more than eight decades.
From typesetting machines to Mac minis, how The Leader gathers and reports the news – and interacts with readers and customers – has evolved drastically.
The tool set of notebook and pen has expanded to include social media and instant digital images.
Today, The Leader celebrates 85 years in business with one more change: A new look.
It’s bolder, brighter and showcases our award-winning writing and photography.
One thing won’t change: Our commitment to delivering timely, accurate and engaging stories about the people, events and issues that are important to the residents of and businesses of Surrey and North Delta.
Thanks for reading, and and we invite you to continue to join us along our journey.