AS THE DESERET NEWS celebrates its 140th anniversary, longtime readers recall various community events that have been sponsored by the newspaper over the years.
Some remember when Ab Jenkins drove his race car across the Bonneville Salt Flats to challenge the speed records of England's Sir Malcolm Campbell, John Cobb and George E.T. Tyson. And they recall how Jenkins was in need of a name for his vehicle.To find a suitable name, the Deseret News asked its readers for suggestions. Contest judges were inundated with more than 4,000 entries, including such gems as Seagull, Sego Lily, The Ute, Crystal Queen, Rocky Mountain Rocket and Bonneville Bullet.
After poring over the thousands of suggestions, editors chose the winning name - and three Deseret News readers received $8.33 as their share of the $25 first prize. The winning name - Mormon Meteor.
In 1937, the Deseret News launched its famous "Search for Talent." Those wanting to participate were assigned an audition date after completing a form that was published in the newspaper.
If chosen during the audition, the amateur performer was awarded a spot on a weekly radio talent show. Men, women and children of all ages were drawn to the program from eight Western states.
Over the years the Deseret News has focused on health and physical development as shown with sponsorship of the 26.2-mile marathon and the popular 10K road race, Utah's only combined racing event of this type.
Nearly 3,000 runners participated in the combined event last year and two new divisions were added - a category for racewalkers and a special category for runners weighing 200 pounds or more. The races will be held again on July 24 and registration is under way.
Two promotions were to come in the late 1940s. One was the Deseret News campaign to raise food and clothing - nearly 150 tons of it - for shivering Navajo Indians.
In cooperation with the U.S. Air Force at Hill Air Force Base and Whitfield Transportation, the newspaper continued the collection and distribution of food and clothing to the Navajos in New Mexico until recent years. Gasoline shortages caused the end of the project.
In December 1948, more than 1,000 beginning skiers enrolled in the first session of the Deseret News Ski School. This school, which gained national attention as being the largest of its kind, continues today as one of the newspaper's major public-service programs.
Women who were teenagers in the 1960s and 1970s will recall the Seminar for Sallies 'n' Sams presented under the direction of Elaine Cannon. This popular columnist for teenagers took her show to other cities along the Wasatch Front, always playing to packed houses.
In-paper promotion programs have been popular with Deseret News readers, including the story and poem contest in connection with the Christmas News, and the popular "Christmas I Remember Best" contest which is still conducted each year.
Santa has received a helping hand from the Deseret News as readers open their hearts and their pocketbooks to bring happiness to needy families. As a result, hundreds of youngsters have not been disappointed on Christmas morning.
The Sterling Scholar Awards program, marking its 29th year this spring, has become a goal for thousands of students. The awards are presented to high school seniors for their scholastic excellence, leadership and community service.
Many of the programs continue throughout the years while others are dropped when they no longer serve the purpose for which they were intended. As times change so does service to the community.
But as the Deseret News continues to provide readers the finest in information and entertainment, it also will continue to serve the community in the public interest.
*****
(ADDITIONAL STORY)
Marathon, 10K race just one of many events sponsored annually
Deseret News readers have the opportunity to enjoy various programs sponsored annually by the newspaper. Here are a few of them:
- Utah's only combined marathon of 26.2 miles and 10K road race (6.2 miles), including categories for racewalkers and runners weighing 200 pounds or more.
- Ski school for beginning skiers of all ages. Started in 1948, the school has offered free or low-cost instruction for thousands of beginning skiers.
- Sterling Scholar Awards. Since 1962, these prestigious awards have been given to high school seniors in recognition of their scholastic excellence, leadership and service to the community.
- Spelling Bee. This event - now in its 14th year - includes a spelling improvement program that culminates with a statewide spelling bee. The winner then advances to the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., as guest of the Deseret News.
- Christmas Lighting Contest. Each year, thousands of bright lights and colorful decorations are added to homes and yards in the Salt Lake and south Davis areas as part of a Deseret News-sponsored program.
- Home and Travel Show. New ideas for the home or summer leisure blossom for visitors to the Deseret News-sponsored show.
- Salute to Youth Concert offers music lovers an opportunity to hear young musicians perform with the Utah Symphony.
- Educational programs are a priority at the Deseret News, and a separate department - Newspaper in Education - offers teachers a new dimension for the classroom, including the "No Books Day," training sessions on using the newspaper in a variety of subjects and informative seminars.