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To the editor:
In the 1950s, the Herald-Star did not have a Sunday edition. So we subscribed on Sundays to the Pittsburgh Press, which was always a welcome addition to our home. It was a joy to get something from the big city. Dad always got the front section first and the rest of us scrambled to get the newspaper.
It was a family tradition, something eagerly shared together, each of us reading in silence and occasionally making some quip, especially the funnies.
It was an opportunity to discuss the arts and culture, the sciences, museums, sports, entertainment and so much more. Also pre-cable TV, along our creek we had better reception from three major networks through Pittsburgh than from WSTV-TV just over the next hill.
There were things like that that indeed elevated the news and opinions from the city. Gave it a respectful tone, and Pittsburgh most certainly is and was worthy of that respect.
Back in the day we realized that if people were different it was not a bad thing, it showed us tolerance.
No one had to think about it, it was just understood. If people had another opinion it was because it was worthy of being listened to and taken as food for thought.
We grew as people, as a family, and in recognition of our values. I like to think we learned to discern and not be taken in by unworthy voices and hype.
If anything, instead of intolerance, there was a little awe, but not envy. There were reports about the Pittsburgh Symphony; the visiting directors, the Pittsburgh Ballet which in those days had live music from the symphony; reports about the universities, the medical schools and of course our Pirates, Steelers and Penguins.
Things that were to be aspired to, not held in contempt. There was the realization that people are people and worth listening to. We never felt in our rural area that we were inferior, rather we felt enriched by our proximity to Pittsburgh, closer than any major Ohio city. Also back in the day, Steubenville was a more illustrious place. The Hub was the biggest department store in Eastern Ohio, and the Anathon home is one of the finest built by stone craftsmen of the day, in about the 1920s or much earlier. Weirton Steel paid 10 cents more per hour than the national steel wages and thus my dad always had work, they never had to strike, they were respected.
"My Symphony" by William Henry Channing is easily found at yourdailypoem.org and bears justice to people in more humble times. In our busyness it's good to kick things back a notch. If you feel you need to get rid of mundane, niggling thoughts, "Non-Violent Communication 101" by Steve Torma is worthy of a Zoom class and free of charge in these covid times. Maybe you can learn to recognize yourself, your needs and those around you, and most of all, find your respectful voice. Be well, stay well and peace be with you.
Amy Frey
Wintersville