50 years of community journalism

BLUE HILL—On December 2, current and former staff members and guests marked the 50th anniversary of The Weekly Packet, published by Penobscot Bay Press, with an open house, reception and special presentation. The newspapers was founded by Jerry and Gayle Durnbaugh in 1961 and purchased by Nat Barrows in 1982.

This slideshow features photos of the evening’s celebration, including staffers and the many guests who came to offer their good wishes, view the variety of displays at the newspaper office and attend the reception and presentation, held at Fairwinds Florist. Barrows recognized Gayle Durnbaugh and Bette Britt at Fairwinds. Both have regularly written for with the paper for 50 years. The event also launched PBP’s first multimedia publication, an autobiography of Jack Crowell complete with DVD, with a book signing by editor Spencer Apollonio and DVD developer Capt. Jim Sharp. Photos by Jonathan Thomas and Faith DeAmbrose.

Video of the evening is also on The Packet’s Web site this week. Click the link on the home page to view it.