Post Office in the home of Robert P. Burns, Lower Freetown. The routes were combined when Garnet Warren retired in 1975 and Lorne and Alberta Reeves continue service to the present day. Roadside delivery of the Journal-Pioneer (Summerside) is made by a delivery vehicle sent by the publishers.

, NEWSPAPERS Prior to the dawn of the radio era in the 19205, the newspaper was one of the only means of getting

news. This was especially true for events happening outside of the province. Imagine having to wait a week for the newspaper to find out who won a Federal Election or the World Series. The newspaper was important to Islanders, who, separated from the mainland, felt isolated enough. This was even more pronounced in rural areas like Freetown.

The first newspaper appeared in the early 18005. The Royal Gazette was widely circulated among Island homes. Soon other papers began circulation: The P.E.I. Register, The Examiner, The Pioneer, The Agriculturalist, The Island Argus, The Patron of Industry, The Patriot and others. Many of the early newspapers were printed weekly so when the household copy arrived all would gather after a meal or in the evening while someone read the paper. In the early years not all could read and the best reader in the home would be nominated. Most of the early newspapers carried local information like vital statistics, community happenings and events. They also printed series of novels which continued from week to week in similar fashion to television “soaps”.

The newspapers in the 19005 were mainly daily in publication. Papers like the Guardian and the Journal appeared. These have survived and are known today as The Journal-Pioneer and The Guardian-Patriot. Some weekly newspapers like The Western Graphic and The Eastern Graphic are still printed. The newspaper remains a valuable source of information on local happenings. Most regular readers will quickly spot where

someone has died or is selling their farm.

Over the years, some Freetown residents have served as correspondents for local newspapers. These correspondents would send in local happenings published as “Freetown Notes” or under similar titles. Mrs. Reg (Lizzie) Reeves, Mrs. Ed (Myrtle) Dammerall and Mrs. Robert (Blanche) Jardine have served as

correspondents to the Journal—Pioneer.

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