End of Hagenbush era in 1991

Since this has been the end of an era year at the Beacon Journal, it seems appropriate to recall another end of an era. This article is from the July / August 1991 issue of Sidedar, then the employee publication. A recent photo of Hagenbush was provided by Bill Hunter. Here is the article:

The Beacon Journal has experienced many changes since the 1920's, but from June 15, 1923 to July 1, 1991 there's been one constant- a Hagenbush working at the paper. But on July 1,1991, Frank A. Hagenbush retired, marking the first time in 68 years that there hasn't been a Hagenbush employed at the Akron Beacon Journal.

With the cooperation of Bill Hunter. who is married to Jean Hagenbush, we have put together a list of the Hagenbush history with the company.

It all began with Jesse E. Hagenbush, who worked at the company from June 15, 1923 and retired July 1, 1971. At the time he was hired the Beacon Journal was located at the corners of East Market and Broadway Streets. Jesse worked in Circulation and the Mailing Room. He retired as foreman in the Mailing Room.

Then came brother Harry R. Hagenbush, now deceased, who started on October 10, 1924 and retired in 1968. He replaced Jesse in the Mailing Room and transferred to apprentice pressman.

Joining them was another brother Frank 1. Hagenbush, now deceased, who worked from 1935 to 1944 when he enlisted in the Army.

Now there are four as John H. Hagenbush joined his brothers in 1946 and worked until Aug, 1979. He started as a paperhandler and retired as a mechanic in the Mailing Room.

And the next generation began with Frank A. Hagenbush, son of Jesse, who began in October, 1947 and retired this year. He began as a paper handler and retired as assistant foreman of the pressroom.

In addition, Jean E. Hagenbush Hunter, daughter of Jesse, began at the Beacon in 1951 and worked to 1960. She worked in the Circulation Department and Sara Ann Sipe Hagenbush, wife of Frank A. Hagenbush, worked in Circulation Accounting from June 1953 to October, 1956.

In the 68 years of Hagenbush involvement at the Beacon Journal. the pressroom and mailing room production facility was moved three times and expanded once.

In 1923 it was located at East Market and Broadway Streets, then was moved in 1929 to E. Market and Summit Streets. In 1938 it moved to the facility at East Exchange and High Streets and in 1952 was moved to a new facility across Wheeler Alley. In 1988, the Mailing Room expanded into the new addition.

Frank, the last of the Hagenbush dynasty, was honored by nearly fifty of his friends, retirees and co-workers at a retirement party along with his long-time friend and co-worker, Jim Darr, at the Jednota Club on July 8, 1991.

He received a portrait done by Diane Heinbuch, wife of the Pressroom's Bill Heinbuch, and a cash envelope from his co-workers.

After all the tributes were finished, Frank made a very brief farewell speech to his friends which just about sums up the Hagenbush family's philosophy.

Frank said, "You won't hear me saying anything bad about the Beacon Journal. Every meal my family has eaten was paid for by a check from the Beacon Journal."

It's been a long run - you will be missed.

[Hagenbush lives in Tallmadge, OH]