| Show CHAPTER TWENTY The Better Newspaper Contest Attempts to recognize outstanding Utah newspapers took place at least twice in the 1920s but were hit-or-miss efforts lacking continuity In 1922 for example the Moab Times-Independent published by Loren Bish Taylor was awardedsilver cup by Utah State Agricultural College now Utah State University for being of greatest service to the community Judging elements were basically those used in determining todayCommunity Service Award winner In that same year an award was given the Beaver Press published by Timothy Brownbhill for the best front page makeup That category too ispart of the modern-day competition Minutes of the 1926 convention reflect thatcommittee was formed to explore conditions for awards in excellency in newspaper makeup and subject matter That effort produced recognition in 1928 for two papers At that yearsummer convention trophies for excellence in newspaper publication were given the Richfield Reaper published by Dr Max Markus and the News-Advocate of Price predecessor of todaySun-Advocate It was published by Grace Cooper widow of Cooper whodied suddenly five years earlier If similar awards were given in following years the records have been lost to history Forperiod of time Harrison Merrill of Brigham Young University paid tribute to Utahcommunity newspapers by selecting outstanding front pages It was by no meansformal competition and those papers cited are not listed in available records Rarely did news stories mention the award The 1938 winner however was the Price Sun-Advocate co published by Val Cowles and Hal MacKnight andplaque was presented them at that yearWinter Convention 385 Digital image 2005 Marriott Library University of Utah Al rights reserved |
