Banner celebrates 115 years of serving Dorchester County
and Maryland’s Eastern Shore
September was a busy month for The Banner, with the special sections and a lot of news to cover. It was so busy, The Banner held off celebrating its birthday. Sept. 21 was the newspaper’s 115th anniversary.
On Oct. 12, the newspaper celebrated with cake, punch and
snacks at its office at 103 Cedar Street in Cambridge.
Friends of the newspaper came by to congratulate the
newspapers staff and share memories of The Banner. Long-time supports, former
employees and dignitaries came by to share in our celebration.
To commemorate the occasion, Delegate Adelaide ‘Addie’ C.
Eckardt delivered a citation from the Maryland House of Delegates and State
Sen. Richard F. Colburn’s wife, Alma Colburn, delivered a citation from the
Maryland Senate.
The Banner also received a letter from the Dorchester County
Council to commemorate the anniversary.
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| Pictured, from left, are Publisher Darel La Prade, Del. Eckardt and Editor Logan B. Anderson during The Banner’s 115thanniversary celebration. |
A little history
An original first edition of “The Banner” is now protected
at the Dorchester County Historical Society, it offers some intriguing historical
glimpses of the area.
The yellowing newspaper, dated Tuesday September 21, 1897,
is titled “The Banner.”
The publication eventually became the “Daily Banner,” and is
now today’s “Dorchester Banner.”
“The Daily Banner” was the earliest daily newspaper on
Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
Volume 1, Number 1 of “The Banner” cost two cents and
proclaimed the beginnings of the daily newspaper with, “The Banner is today
unfurled and will float permanently, we hope, upon the breezes of the Eastern
Shore.”
The newspaper began publishing every afternoon except
Sunday, by editors and proprietors Lindsay C. Marshall and Armistead R. Michie.
The first local advertiser was Cornwell, Bowdle & Co,
which had lengthy prominent space on the front page, announcing it was “Ready
for Business,” and listing carpeting, ladies’ capes and coats, dress goods,
notions and more.
The Daily Banner expanded quickly from its debut and would
continue to provide news to Dorchester County and the region.
Independent Newspapers Inc. took control of The Banner on
July 1, 1986.
In 2008, the newspaper switched from daily publication to
twice-weekly editions, continuing the tradition of providing news of local
interest to the community and beyond.
In 2012, The Banner also started reporting daily online at
maryland.Newszap.com.
The attraction offers visitors an opportunity to learn about
life in the county. Museum-goers can learn how to tie knots like a waterman,
and how Harriet Tubman – who was born into slavery Dorchester County –
helped many escape from oppression.
Now, with the museum’s newest exhibit, visitors can learn
about one of the oldest newspapers on Maryland’s Eastern Shore – The Banner.
The new display features copies of The Banner marking the
moon landing and the assassination of JFK.
News Service Coordinator Sylvia Windsor, who is celebrating
her 51st year at The Banner, loaned some of her personal collection
to the museum. Also are examples of cameras used by reporters in years past
from Editor Logan B. Anderson’s collection.
The exhibit also includes the actual typewriter used by
longtime and well known Banner columnist Elsie McNamara. Her column was titled
“The Rocking Chair.”
Pictured is the exhibit at the Dorchester County Visitor
Center.
Recent notes from the community:
Thanks so much for the terrific Showcase publicity! WOW!!!
The photographs fabulous, the articles perfect. I could not ask for more.
Thanks so much!
Susan Lazur”
Tim Crosby, architect with Crosby Associates – who is
working with a local organization trying to save an African-American Church in
Dorchester County – sent this letter after a story written by Editor Logan B.
Anderson advancing a fund raising event for the effort in September:
“Good Morning Logan
You are such a GOOD writer. The article was amazing. What you have done for this group and their cause is incredible.
Thank you so much. I owe you big time.
They expected to have about 25 people attend, thanks to your article about 140 people came.
Best
Tim”
Sylvia Windsor and Sandi Stokes received this note, in August,
for helping the local Court Appointed Special Advocates group get their news in
the paper:
“Hi Sandy and Sylvia!
We have been so generous in highlighting recruitment articles for CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates for children. I want you to know, you have made the difference in the lives of children we serve. Thank you for being on the CASA TEAM.
I hope to be able to come by and meet you in the future.
Jane
Jane Crawford, Outreach Coordinator
CASA of Talbot and Dorchester Counties”
Sylvia Windsor received this note for helping the Eastern
Shore Hospital Center for helping publicize its upcoming special art show in
October:
“Hi Sylvia,
Thank you for the wonderful coverage of our show. It was so helpful and the patient's benefited greatly.
:-)
Judith A. Slaughter, M.A., CEAP
Coordinator - Volunteer ServicesEastern Shore Hospital Center”
Editor Logan B. Anderson received this note from Mayor of
the town of East New Market, Md., Caroline Cline, after a front page story
about her town’s Community Day in October:
“Logan, Thank you a gazillion for your
"Spotlighting" our town's Community Day !!!! You will
need to become an honorary citizen !!!!
Cheers, Caroline “
