Community newspapers play a vital role in capturing current and past local stories. The Bromley Historical Society is pleased and honoured to have Gerald Tracey, editor of The Eganville Leader, speak on the the history and the modern challenges facing his paper. The presentation will take place on Sunday, August 21, at 2pm, in the Old Town Hall, 498 Micksburg Road, Osceola.
Founded in 1902 by Patrick McHugh, the Leader was purchased by Sylvester and Ambrose Tracey in 1944. Gerald and his brother Ron (until he retired in 2007) have been at the helm of the weekly for the last 51 years. The Leader is the largest paid-circulation community newspaper in Renfrew County and has won numerous awards for its stories of history in the making. But like newspapers everywhere, it is facing challenges in this digital age.
Tracey regards himself as an old-school publisher, one who takes on a role as a community builder and who knows the scoop on the community’s secrets. He has also led the charge in raising in excess of $5 million for local projects, whether it be for the rebuilding of burnt-out churches, the Fairfields Senior Living centre, emergency funds for the Ukraine, or a paralyzed logger who needs a special van.
The talk is open and free to the public. Light refreshments will be served following his presentation.
