Generation of Suarez-Orendain on the Move

In the heart of New York City, over 180 years ago, a tradition was born that would shape the landscape of journalism and everyday life. The first newspaper carrier, Barney Flaherty, was hired by Benjamin Day in 1833 to deliver The Sun, marking the beginning of a job that would become synonymous with determination, resilience, and the spirit of innovation.

Flaherty, a ten-year-old boy who was under-qualified for the job, proved his worth by successfully selling The Sun not only at doorsteps but also on street corners. This humble beginning set the stage for a long-standing tradition that would see numerous notable figures, including Thomas Edison, Tom Cruise, Martin Luther King Jr., Walt Disney, and John Wayne, take up the role of newspaper carrier at some point in their lives.

The ability to throw a rolled newspaper into a homeowner's yard was the main skill required for the job. Over time, the job evolved, with "steady men" becoming the desired candidates. However, Day, the publisher of The Sun, hired Flaherty due to his determination, setting a precedent for the selection of candidates based on more than just qualifications.

The job of a newspaper carrier, along with several other jobs like linotype operator, shoeshine, ice cutter, and switchboard operator, is now dying or struggling to survive. This decline is a reflection of the changing times, with the rise of digital media and the shift away from traditional print newspapers.

In 1960, two significant events took place. The newsboy job in the Philippines emerged for the first time, mirroring the growth of the tradition in New York City. This development is shrouded in sketchy information, with the first person who worked as a messenger in the Philippines not specifically documented in the available information.

That same year, the Newspaper Carrier Hall of Fame was created in the US, honouring those who had made significant contributions to the world of journalism through their work as newspaper carriers. Sept. 4 is now celebrated as National Newspaper Carrier Day, a day to remember and honour the legacy of the newspaper carrier.

Despite the decline of the traditional newspaper carrier role, there are still a handful of jobs like knife and scissors grinder that continue to exist, serving as a testament to the enduring spirit of the past. The legacy of the newspaper carrier lives on, not just in the memories of those who have held the role, but also in the spirit of determination, resilience, and innovation that they embodied.