Newspaper Carrier Tools of the Trade

One of my earliest jobs was delivering the Erie Daily Times, just like hundreds of other kids. I picked up my bundle at the firehouse on 23rd and Ash, counted the papers and inserted the ads in each one. Depending on the weather and the weight of the paper, I would put the papers in my canvas bag and then jump on my bike, walk or pull the sled behind me and head down to Slomski's Funeral Home on East 21st St. and start my rounds. My father drove me around on most Sundays because the papers were so heavy.

On Fridays and Saturdays I'd carry a money bag with change, a hole puncher and a hard-covered binder full of cards. I would line up the customer card and my card and punch the appropriate spot so we would each have a record of payment. The color of the card changed each year. 

The district manager (Dan) would meet us at the firehouse so we could pay our bill, part of which included a savings plan that did not pay interest. We got a long, skinny form that recorded our payment for the papers. A few years after I stopped delivering papers I started writing freelance for the Erie Times. I don't think there are any more youth carriers now that adults deliver the motor routes.

Enjoy more historic facts and photos of Erie, PA at: oldtimeerie.blogspot.com