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Family History of the Douglas County Herald
The Douglas County Herald was established and published its first issue March 3, 1887.
The Douglas County Herald was purchased by I. T. Curry on January 10, 1910, and since that day, the newspaper has remained in the Curry family.
In 1912, Elmer (J.E.) Curry began his newspaper career upon graduation from Ava High School. He worked at the paper one year before entering the University of Missouri. At the conclusion of his first year of studies, Elmer left the University to assume a position at the newspaper.
J. E. soon became a partner with his brother, I. T., and on September 9, 1915, he became editor and publisher of the Herald. As publisher of the Herald for more than 53 years, he remained a stockholder in the business until his death.
Initially after taking over management of the newspaper, Curry purchased an automatic typesetting machine, investing in one of the first major advances in the newspaper industry -- a change from handset type to line casting from a linotype keyboard. An innovative decision during those times.
Although the newspaper business was first and foremost to J.E. Curry, he was also active in community and governmental affairs. Curry was instrumental in leading victorious fights for water, sewer service and a municipal electric system for the City of Ava.
He was elected to the Missouri Senate in 1944, where he served until 1952. Possibly his greatest contribution during that period was building the foundation for the present system of state construction and maintenance of state highways. The "Curry Bill" was defeated in the election of 1948, but the bill was the forerunner of the present takeover aid to the county road system. As a result of the "Curry Bill", a revised rural road bill introduced during his second term was approved by the voters. The revised bill provided that a state-maintained road must be within two miles of every farm unit. The bill was strongly supported by the Missouri Farmers Association and rural organizations throughout the state. Mr. Curry was also actively engaged in farming throughout most of his life.
As a commemoration of the 1957 Douglas County centennial celebration, Curry wrote a book about the history of Douglas County, covering the century from 1857 to 1957. This book has become a sought after collector's item. Over 1,500 copies were sold by the Chamber of Commerce during the centennial celebration in 1957 and the remaining copies were purchased by Mr. Curry and distributed.
Even though he retired in 1969, the newspaper remained his passion and interest which also encompassed his concern for the well-being of the people of Ava and surrounding communities.
In 1946, Jim Curry, son of J. E. Curry, purchased the interests of his uncle, I.T. Curry, and became a partner in the newspaper with his father, J. E. (Elmer) Curry. When Elmer Curry retired in 1969, Jim became publisher and maintains that position today.
Continuing the family tradition, Sue Curry, daughter of Jim and Louann Curry, joined the staff of the Douglas County Herald, moving back to Ava in 2002. As a family partner in the business, Sue is now the news editor of the newspaper and manager of the print department.
Click here to view our Staff Profile
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Copyright © Douglas County Herald 2002-2006
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