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Philadelphia 1876 & 1965
WILLIAM PENN first set foot upon the soil of his colony of Pennsylvania at Newcastle in 1682. Later, he selected the Greek word, Philadelphia, signifying “brotherly love,” for the name of his future city. His first message to the Indian chiefs stated: “We meet in the broad pathway of good faith and good will; no advantage shall be taken on either side, but all shall be openness and love.”
In the same spirit of brotherly love the National Amateur Press Association again met in Philadelphia, as they had in 1876, to found the enduring organization of writers and printers. It was altogether fitting and proper that NAPA convene here in the bailiwick of Benjamin Franklin, the patron saint of printers, for here the first American magazine and daily newspaper was published.
Penn Center Inn proved to be an ideal convention site. The accoutrements were superb. The meeting room was awash with printing impedimentia, journals, papers, fact sheets, blackboards, tables, and water carafes. Earnest deliberations filled the ash trays and atmosphere to coincide with the smoke-filled room terminology. Over all, hung the emanation of good faith, good will… and love.
Flight 90
by Dorothy Schneider
I arrived at the 90th annual convention of the National Amateur Press Association green as the grass on the “prairies” from whence I came – a stranger in your midst. Observing the arrival of one ajay family after another, it was easy to sense the kinship they shared as they exchanged joyous and loving greetings. At an opportune time, I introduced myself to Liz and Clyde Butt. From that moment on, never again did I feel alone.
Eventually, this amateur journalist began to recognize the true convention spirit. One fellow in particular seemingly delighted in objecting to everything the constitution offered. My tattered copy lay on the table and, at one point, I was thoroughly prepared to dislike Roy Lindberg from Brooklyn, New York, until I realized these ajays were combining exercises in parliamentary procedure with zeal, intelligence, and pleasure; nevertheless, business was being tended to expertly by experts.
Truly the key word in NAPA is “PARTICIPATE.”
How is it possible for so many wonderful people to gather together from North, South, East and West, share all this companionship without a trace of enmity, and give a total stranger such as myself a home?
To all who attended the 90th convention (including that likable, lovable Brooklynite) and to the complete NAPA membership, I offer my loyalty, service, and love as your new Vice-President.
Serendipity
by Louise Polis
Reading through The Philadelphia Bulletin last Friday [July 2], I came upon an article about the National Amateur Press Association convention at Penn Center Inn. It sounded exciting to know that people with a common vital interest of writing and printing as a hobby can join together and last to their 90th year. I decided to visit the convention. It certainly turned out to be a worthwhile trip.
The members, although definitely of a different generation, welcomed me warmly to their meetings.
After working in the offices of Moderator, a college bi-monthly at the University of Pennsylvania campus, I find a startling contrast of character between the people of NAPA and Moderator. The former are warm, good-humored and dedicated to their common interest. I have found this day spent at the NAPA convention refreshing and exhilarating.
My discovery of the NAPA (I’m a full-paid member of only a few minutes) assured that my interest in writing will gain greater horizons.
On the Shoulders of Giants
by Alexia Ostergaard
On Sunday I attended services at St. Peter’s Church, 3rd and Pine Streets [Philadelphia] as the guest of Organist Albert F. Robinson. He had played at my wedding to Brauner J. Ostergaard, at Governor’s Island in 1954.
The church was built in 1761. I sat in George Washington’s pew by special invitation.
St. Peter’s has carefully preserved the historic beauty of its churchyard. Our nation was built on the shoulders of giants and many of these are interred at St. Peter’s. Benjamin Carr, (1769-1831) who was a neophyte printer under Franklin, is buried here. After his printing experience he later became a well-known composer and organist. He founded the first music store in Philadelphia.
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Many convention visitors got “lit up” on items brought to the meeting rooms by Peter Schaub of Newark, N.J. Match boxes carried his novelty printing ad.
Gradylogue
Printed and Published by Milton Grady at Pillbox Private Press, Des Moines 50317. Hand-set in 11-point Granjon and Geoffrey Tory initials. Printed on a 10 x 15 C&P. The title of Mrs. Schneider’s contribution derives from a curious coincidence: Her plane to the 90th convention was Flight 90. #23 – July, 1965.