1960’s
This story took place over a number of years, but all at an early age. Like many kids in small or rural towns a paper route is something every little boy remembers having. The kids of Aspen were no different. We either had a specific route or just sold them on the streets, and even in the bars and restaurants every Thursday afternoon. Back then they sold for twenty cents, but most kids asked for and usually got a quarter. At times, it was like a mad rush to see who could sell the most. Many kids made more than one trip back to the paper office for more to sell.
My story is slightly different. I did have a paper route, but every Thursday before I went out on my route I actually helped produce the paper. At the age of 5, 6 or 7 I was hardly a reporter, but I did help insert the various sections into the papers; and, I hauled the finished copies to the front desk to be distributed to the kids. One of the greatest things about this job was that I learned all about how a paper was made, well back before computers at any rate. They showed me how to transfer the type set stories on to the aluminum plates for the press. From there the ink was transferred from the plates to the paper. And, for the color images which were just starting to be included, the paper had to pass through multiple plates. At my young age this was very fascinating.
One of the greatest things about this job was the people. The press operator was the most fascinating person ever. His name was Blue at least that is what he went by. He knew everything about the press; and, regardless of what went wrong he was always so calm.
About the same time, the paper hired a new reporter. I remember him always taking the time to answer all my questions. He was very creative and always had a smile on his face. I remember him showing me this cartoon strip he had been working on and was hoping to start running it in the paper each week.
Years after I had grown up and no longer delivered papers, I still remember fondly all the time I spent with those great people at The Aspen Times. Bill Dunaway, the owner has since moved on. I am not sure what came of Blue; but, I see with great pride that young reporter, Chris Cassatt, is still drawing Sal.
Aspen Times, thanks for the memories.
Dooger's Blog 
Hello! I remember Blue! He was still the pressman @ The Aspen Times when I began working there (as a typesetter) in Summer 1977. We all took turns week-by-week working the collating machine down in the pressroom on Thursday afternoons.
I don’t remember how long after I began working there, but eventually they ket Blue go after many years of service. Not to mar his memory but I’m pretty sure it was due to a drinking problem. And Bil Dunaway, having the patience of Job, did not act hastily nor with any pleasure at having to let Blue go. After that they hired a pressman named Nelson who lived way down valley.
A few months ago I learned that Bil Dunaway died in Feb. of this year, 2011. I think he was about 85-87. Very sad. He was a GREAT BOSS & was very good to me during
my last year then when I was really sick. Bil’s obits online said he had bad health for quite some time & had lost his memory before he passed away. 😦
After reading another blog article re Newt Gingrich where the author described Gingrich as a “slimy salamander,” it reminded me of Cassatt’s Sal’s political career, lol. I then found your blog while googling for photos of Chris’ original “white colored” Sal A Mander… hardly any original photos online that I can find (only later ones where Sal is green. 🙂
So anyway, glad you have fond memories of The Aspen Times. Me, too! Thursday afternoons were always the most exciting when the paper would hit the streets @ 25-cents each with the hordes of young kids lined up & running like little madmen to sell their weekly product. 🙂
Typos!
…let Blue go… (not ket)
…my last year there… (not then)
Pretty bad for a typesetter but, hey, I’m old now, lol. 😉