As the school year ended thirty-five years ago, Mama decided that she needed to initiate an activity to engage the minds of her growing tribe of grandkids during the summer. Her natural interest in writing led her to create the Porterville Summer Times. Mom Porter would write a Grapevine column for each edition to keep the editorial voice present. And her journalist neophytes would come up with stories, drawings, cartoons, puzzles and other interesting content to be decided in advance of each issue at an editorial meeting.
The original issue, hot off the press, from Marigold street featured the work of reporters Meaghen Wells, Angela Lamb and Nicky Porter. The issue also promised future ‘advice’ columns from Dear Donna. The concept took off as concepts did under the wise and kind leadership of Gomma. I am not sure I have the entire series but I do have a substantial number of issues. The highest volume I saw in a quick glance at the stack was 15 which means the paper still continued past the Millennium. As grandchildren aged and their interests changed, younger members of the tribe took up pen and paper and became part of the legacy. I have no doubt that this endeavor, like so many other things Mama undertook, was a good influence on the participants.
With Mama’s recent departure to become writer and editor at a more lofty publication I heard many generations discussing the Porterville Summer Times. I am hopeful that some of those who grew up in the “Times” will send me their comments or memories so I can add their voices to this post.