Belleville History Alive!

Writing is life to R. C. Cornish, page 3

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< CHANGES When Roy Cornish started writing for newspapers, the produc- tion process was the traditional "hot-lead" system which had been employed for a number of years. Over the next two decades, modern technology replaced the former system with what is known as "cold type," which is pro- duced directly on paper through computerized typesetting. This faster and more economical than thesystem proved to be previous metal type. And for the future? Though Roy is retiring from actively producing news on a daily basis, he says the future of the business looks bright. "Cost and technical changes will dictate the size and format of papers in the future. Also, the amount and quality of news will be directly related to how well newspapers can afford to keep better reporters and editors away from the electronic media. The essential role of doing what neither a radio or television can do should and probably will continue-that is to give a more complete explanation of events and also to put into print things that the broadcast neither have time or interest for." Though newspapers in smaller urban areas will still reflect essentially that area, says Roy, the group ownership concept he say sis here to stay. And he adds that is probably for the best as larger groups can reduce overhead costs which should give the newspaper a bet- ter chance of survival in future markets. HE'D DO IT AGAIN For Roy Cornish, the newspaper, particularly the Trentonian, has allowed him the opportunity to fulfill his life's purpose. It's not been entirely an easy life, but for him, it has had many rewards. 'It's tough to summarize 30 years of life into a few words. But, I guess, in all there is little I would change if I could do it all again. I'd just try to do it bet- ter." One of Roy's many ac- complishments is the Hook, Line and Sinker column which has run since the spring of 1954, first in the Courier and later in the Trentonian. "Ever since I was a boy, I've loved to fish. And since I also like to know as much about a subject as I can before I write on it, it has helped to me deepen my knowledge and interst for fishing to write the column." One of the things Roy looks forward to most in retirement is to have more time to drop a line. But retirement will only mean a change of pace for Roy Cor- nish as he plans to "keep a number of irons in the fire". For example, his opinions and colorful commentary will con- tinue to be seen on the editorial page of the Trentonian as he plans to submit a comment col- umn on a regular basis. The col- umn will deal with a wide scope of interests, from news to fishing and community events. "I have to keep my hand in at writing. Though this business is hard on people and I know I need a rest, I am still not the kind of person that can sit around with nothing to do." He still intends to devote much of his time to doing things that are useful to society, whether it be in the form of writing or through public speak- ing and community work. "I want to stay useful as long as I have health and strength." And considering the wide scope of experience 30 years in the news business gives a per- son, there should be plenty of avenues where Roy's experience will come in handy to a great many people. PERSONAL INTERESTS Not surprising for an avid writer and seeker of knowledge, Roy's home in Trenton reflects a life of collecting information. He proudly admits to having one of the areas largest record collections with over 9,000 discs ranging from contemporary sounds to 'literally all of the classics and almost every organ record ever issued. An avid lover of music, Roy taught himself to play the organ around 1939 and played during his years in the ministry for hymns in services. He also played the organ for weddings and today still enjoys playing both his organ and piano that he has at home. And that's only the half of it. He also has about 10,000 books crammed on to almost every flat surface of his house. "I've always loved to read since my father taught me to read Robinson Crusoe when I was four years old." And one of the things Roy is looking forward to in retirement is to have the time to read in- depth whatever he chooses, not what has to be read to fill the pages of a never-ending newspaper schedule. "Who knows, I may even get around to trying some fiction writing-something I've always had an interest in but never found the time to pursue." Whatever Roy does to fill his retirement, you can bet it will reflect positively on the com- munity he has grown with for the last 30 years. "Trenton is truly my home now. Though I've never mar- ried, I have many friends and associates here and I feel no more at home anywhere else. My old neighborhood from my youth holds nothing for me~it's all changed. But I grew with Trenton and I feel a part of this community." GOOD PROGRESS Generally speaking, Roy con- cludes that Trenton has grown for the better in the last 30 years. "Trenton has grown in all respects, has added both necessities and amenities, to im- prove opportunities for everybody. In general,* the change has meant progress and that is good. That is-as far as Trenton is concerned. National- ly, under Trudeau, we have gone down and much of our liberty has been lost." "I thing too that Trenton has matured. People still fight for what they believe is right, but we have few of the petty quar- rels that were popular when I came. There seems to be a bet- ter community spirit and more desire to work together to get useful things done." "I can say honestly that these 30 years in Trenton have been the high point and fulfillment of all I've trained for, and all I ex- perienced before. During the tough years of growing up dur- ing the Depression, and in the years to late 1953, when I seem- ed to have endured so much without really getting anywhere, I feel now I was being prepared-like Moses-for my life's work." "That I went through the hard times has kept me from the one great peril of the newspaper editorial side of life-forgetting that one is actually dealing with people. I think it kept my head from running away with my heart, and it has helped to let people know that sitting in the editor's chair was someone who could see life from their point of view, with all its joys and suffer- ings, things big and small." "I like to think that 35 years of preparation made these 30 years as good as they could be, with God directing everything so that I could fulfill my earliest boyhood desire-one I still have- to serve people." 3/8

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