Grit: America's Greatest Family Newspaper

by Robin Van Auken

Each weekend in the 1950s, 30,000 boys knocked at the doors of more than 700,000 American small-town homes and were welcomed with a smile and a dime as they delivered the weekly edition of Grit, America's Greatest Family Newspaper.For more than 100 years, Grit delivered news, features, fiction, coupons, and comics to families across the nation. More than a million children have sold Grit, some for a few weeks, some for several years. Many adults, including Astronaut John Glenn, look back on the experience with pride.This short eBook single (5,500 words) introduces Grit and its founder, Dietrick Lamade, whose ambition and determination epitomizes the word "Grit" and who, despite his prejudices, brought the world to the American living room each week.A journalistic legacy, Grit recorded timely events and celebrated family and community through good times and bad. Many of its articles and features are endearing and touching portraits that chronicled the United States, indeed, the world's, progress and misfortune.Founded in 1882 as a Saturday edition of the Daily Sun and Banner in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Grit was at first a short-lived venture. Then, two years later, Dietrick Lamade purchased it. His story is typically American; the story of a young man who sought and found opportunity, and who, in 50 years, created one of the miracles of modern publishing.Beginning in 1882, America's Greatest Family Newspaper was on hand to record the world’s history. With millions of readers throughout the United States, it also had the power to influence politics, local and national. Many people miss their Sunday Grit, which brought homespun news to their doorsteps each week. It lives again at

21 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 13, 2011

About the author

Robin Van Auken is a writer and professional archaeologist. She enjoys working on projects, large and small, through her research company, Hands-on Heritage.

She is the author and co-author of 10 books on regional history, including “Play Ball! The Story of Little League Baseball.”

She also is the author of contemporary romance (sometimes writing as Madeline Sloane).