Many people attended an open house and anniversary celebration at The Jena Times Olla-Tullos-Urania Signal office in Jena last Wednesday, October 8, as the newspaper celebrated 120 years of service to the parish.
From state and local elected officials to executives in parish industry and local businesses, the event allowed the newspaper to express its appreciation to all of its advertisers and supporters.
The local newspaper is the oldest, continuously operated business in LaSalle Parish, founded in 1905 – five years before the creation of La-Salle Parish.
Current newspaper owners Craig and Kim Franklin expressed their deep appreciation to all who attended and made the day special.
“We really wanted to just hold a small event for our newspaper’s anniversary and were so blessed by the number of people who attended,” the Franklins said. “Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate with us.”
A free hamburger and hot dog meal was provided and of course a special birthday cake was enjoyed by guests. The newspaper also gave away many door prizes for attendees and as a special treat, a replica of Sheriff Andy Taylor’s patrol car from the Andy Griffith Show was on hand for photos.
“We are so thankful to our friend, Christian comedian Brandon Digilormo, for providing us with his 1961 Ford Galxie to be displayed at the event, which is the car used in the second season of The Andy Griffith Show,” Editor Craig Franklin said. “My dad, Sammy Franklin, created a love for that show in all his children at an early age so it was very special to have that car here at our anniversary.”
As a special treat, LaSalle Parish Sheriff Lane Windham was permitted to drive the Mayberry car through the streets of Jena, with Jena Mayor LaDawn C. Edwards in the front passenger seat with State Representatives Neil Riser and Gabe Firment in the back.
Although the first issue of The Jena Times was actually printed on March 23, 1905, the Franklins chose to wait until National Newspaper Week last week to officially celebrate its anniversary.
“Back in March, we still had some renovation work left to be done to the outside of our historic building, so we wanted to make sure those were completed before we hosted our open house,” Kim Franklin said. “I think we have finally finished its restoration, both on the outside and inside, so at any time someone wants to stop by and receive a tour we’d gladly welcome you.”
At the event last Wednesday, Representatives Riser and Firment presented the Franklins with a special Legislative Commendation from the Louisiana House of Representatives.
