11/27/2024
THE LAST ISSUE is on the stands. It’s full of good thoughts and memories such as the one here from our former editor Clyda Reeves Franks. Thanks for the many, many memories!
When Larry and Rusty asked for memories and connections to The Cleveland American, I was not sure where to start. I have had a connection to this newspaper since before I was born. My mother, Euladean Goodson-Redman worked there in the early 40’s. I came on board between my junior and senior years of high school when Larry hired me as summer and after-school help in 1963.
I remember watching Sparky Rommel work at the huge fire-breathing linotype while his brother, Maynard, watched from across the room. Sparky was not thrilled to have a “little girl” invade his domain but was nevertheless patient and kind. Following graduation from Cleveland High School I moved to Tulsa where I worked for the Newspaper Printing Corporation, the parent company of the Tulsa World and Tribune.
Fifteen years after graduation, I returned to Cleveland with a husband and two sons. Larry hired me once more, this time as a typesetter. Following Larry’s election to the Oklahoma legislature, Rusty inherited not only the publishing duties at the American, but me as well.
During the eleven years at the newspaper Rusty gave me the opportunity to try my hand at reporting and writing, under the guidance of then-editor, Norman Bridwell. After Mr B’s retirement, I became editor. It was a huge step for me and big leap of faith for Rusty. It was exciting and terrifying at the same time, but with Rusty’s patience and guidance I learned to love the job.
Attending City Council, school board and hospital trustee meetings became part of my monthly routine. This is when I became aware that it takes a lot of dedicated people to keep a city, even a small one, running. I also learned the importance of delivering that information to the citizens of that community.
My eldest son, Chris, became the third generation of the family to work at the newspaper. He learned to develop film and was proud to represent the American as its photographer as well as press room help as he completed his high school years at Cleveland High School.
The Cleveland American is in my blood and the Ferguson family will family will forever hold a special place in my heart for all the opportunities, caring and fun time we have had together. The American and the Fergusons are intertwined with my family’s history as well as that of the communities they have served for so many years.
Times have certainly changed and newspapers are disappearing from our daily loves. However, the communities they served remain, along with the people dedicated to keeping the “home” in hometown.
Clyda
