Every Wednesday, Journal News Deliveries Were Made

In celebration of the Wednesday Journal’s 45th anniversary, we’re diving into the nostalgic world of newspaper delivery, specifically spotlighting the dedicated young news carriers who ensured that readers received their weekly dose of news. Many of these young individuals, often just teenagers, navigated through their neighborhoods, bright and early, setting them up for lessons that would guide them throughout their lives. Let’s explore some of their experiences and see how these formative jobs shaped their futures.

The Journey Begins: Early Mornings and Lifelong Lessons

By 5 a.m., when many of us are still in slumber, these young carriers were already on the move. They braved the cold and the early dawn to bundle and deliver papers, all before heading off to school. Their experiences weren’t just about the deliveries; they were rich with lessons on responsibility, entrepreneurship, and the value of hard work.

John Register: The Discipline of Early Mornings

Take John Register, for instance, who recalls the meticulous art of folding newspapers “without a rubber band.” Register’s story transcends merely delivering newspapers. He went on to achieve remarkable feats as a military veteran, an Olympic-caliber athlete, and a motivational speaker.

From the early days of navigating his Oak Park route, Register learned the essence of self-discipline. “That job taught me the importance of getting up early and compartmentalizing my day, which I still do today,” he shares. His memories are intertwined with the realization that waking up early helped shape his future—not just as an athlete, but also as a dedicated individual capable of overcoming obstacles in life.

Mark Guarino: A Direct Line to Readers

Then there’s Mark Guarino, who was among the Journal’s first carriers. He fondly remembers the Tuesday nights filled with excitement as he bagged papers for his route. With a Walkman strapped on, he immersed himself in his own world. “It was a rewarding experience to see people reading the papers,” Guarino notes.

Working as a news carrier gave him a unique perspective into the lives of his readers. Guarino later became a producer for ABC News, but he acknowledges how those formative years as a paper carrier kept him grounded. He believes that many media organizations could benefit from staying connected with their readers, much like he did on his paper route.

Neal Rothschild: Journalism in the Blood

Neal Rothschild comes from a lineage of journalists; his father was a sportswriter for sports Illustrated. Rothschild navigated similar paths early in his life, delivering papers during his elementary years. He shares, “As a news carrier, I gained a glimpse into people’s lives—it grounded me as a journalist later on.”

After his time as a carrier, Rothschild went on to cover sports for various prominent outlets and is currently the senior director of editorial strategy at Axios. His unique perspective reinforces the notion that journalism is best understood through the experiences one gains firsthand, just like the encounters he had while delivering papers.

The Merchen Sisters: An Economic Endeavor

An inspiring story comes from the Merchen family, who had six siblings all contributing to a paper route that simmered with motivation. “Having our own money was always nice,” Emilia Merchen recalls. They delivered papers together as they returned from school, motivated by the potential to earn and spend on treats like Jolly Ranchers.

“This job was more than just a way to earn money; it taught us the value of hard work and self-reliance,” Simona adds. Each sister eventually found her niche in fields ranging from property management to healthcare, embodying the spirit of diligence instilled during their paper route days.

Nate Dame: A Badge of Honor

Nate Dame’s experience during his paper delivery days was marked by courage. “Knocking on doors for payments was tough,” he laughs as he recounts how he built tough skin through the experience. Yet, having a job distinct from his friends gave him a sense of pride.

Today, Dame is an entrepreneur in digital marketing, noting how delivering newspapers laid the groundwork for understanding content delivery. “I used to deliver great content in middle school; today I do the same but through digital platforms,” he remarks.

More Than Just Deliveries

The stories of these former news carriers are more than simple anecdotes; they reflect core life lessons that many adolescents miss out on today. Here are some key takeaways from their experiences:

• Self-Discipline: Establishing a routine early on sets the foundation for future successes.
• Connection with Readers: Building relationships with the community creates a deeper understanding of one’s audience.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: The hustle of a paper route often translates into entrepreneurial endeavors later in life.
• Financial Literacy: Earning your own money, no matter how small the sum, cultivates financial independence.

The Modern-Day Perspective

While the world of news delivery has changed vastly with the advent of digital media, the foundational lessons learned from those early mornings still resonate. The spirit of hard work, intrinsic motivation, and self-discipline learned through paper routes continues to echo in the entrepreneurial pursuits of today.

For anyone interested in understanding more about the transformative power of work, Investopedia offers insights on the importance of financial literacy, which ties beautifully back to those early paper route lessons.

As digital media takes precedence, these stories remind us of the unique and tangible experiences that shaped the lives of those who walked the streets delivering the news. Whether through friendly exchanges on the porches of loyal subscribers or the discipline of an early morning routine, the legacy of these young news carriers is a testament to the hard work and dedication that ultimately leads to lifelong success.