Bulletin THE
News and information for the Wisconsin newspaper industry
... among the world’s oldest press associations
September/October 2013
O’Leary family boosts Pylon fund Publishers honor father, husband with $10,000 to renovate WNA Foundation’s Memorial Pylon in Eagle River
WNA Foundation President Kris O’Leary and WNA Board of Directors First Vice President Carol O’Leary have kicked off efforts to replace the Memorial Pylon at Trees for Tomorrow in a big way. Each donated $5,000 in memory of J.A. “Jay” O’Leary, their father and husband, respectively. The name of Jay O’Leary, former publisher of The Tribune Phonograph (Abbotsford) The Record-Review (Edgar) and The Star News, (Medford) was added to the pylon in 1997. Following Jay’s death, the O’Leary’s have honored his memory in several places that were dear to him, but they have not placed a permanent marker anywhere, Kris O’Leary said. “Contributing to a new, more permanent Pylon is a way of recognizing that this is our place to honor him,” she added. “The Memorial Pylon at Trees holds special meaning for our family and for the newspapers of our state. This place is truly steeped in WNA history. Standing under the tall pines and reflecting on the work of the publishers listed on the Pylon, you can’t help but feel the pride that comes with writing the first draft of Wisconsin’s history.” In addition to the O’Leary’s gifts, the fund has also been boosted by generous donations from Bob Whetsone (Carol O’Leary’s current husband) and The Campbellsport News. Back in 1958, the Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation began its tradition of paying tribute
Kris O’Leary
WNA Foundation President
“Trees is a very special place, not only because of the beauty of its surroundings but because it is truly steeped in WNA history.” to each of its member publishers who passed away. The original tribute was to plant a tree as a memorial to each deceased publisher in WNA’s Press Forest just outside Eagle River. Within a short span of time, however, it became apparent that there would not be enough land available to carry the project beyond a few years. Therefore, a Memorial Pylon was erected in the grove area on the Trees for Tomorrow Campus in Eagle River.
replaced on an annual basis.
The pylon represents the stories of our industry’s former leaders, the dedication they gave their communities and recognizes the role each person played in chronicling our state’s history. With your help, WNAF hopes to raise $75,000 to make the pylon a structure that WNA members, families and friends can be proud of. Please see page 2 for details on how to donate. Projected completion date for the permanent pylon is the summer of 2014. Upon completion, a re-dedication ceremony will be held. Family members of those listed on the pylon will be invited to attend.
The pylon displays the name of each deceased publisher-member. Each year, names have been added at a fitting ceremony during the annual Trees Retreat. Now, in 2013, the names of more than 600 deceased publishers are now listed on the pylons. (Read the full list on pages 2 and 3). Over time, the pylon structure has deteriorated and the method of displaying the names on a traditional, offset printing plate is no longer practical. Names fade and must be
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The WNA Foundation is proposing a more permanent monument (renderings at right), made of Rushmore Granite. Seven tablets will be sawn front, back and bottom. Tablet dimensions will be 108” x 6” x 72” set into three 40” x 8” x 8” support legs.
Renderings of the proposed WNA Memorial Pylon at the Trees for Tomorrow campus in Eagle River are shown above. The granite structures would replace the 55-year-old wooden structure, which is deteriorating. Carol O’Leary, WNA Board of Directors First Vice President, made a $5,000 donation to the Trees Memorial Pylon Fund in honor of her late husband, Jay.
WNA Foundation’s 2013 Memorial Pylon Induction Ceremony. See more photos from Trees on WNA’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WisconsinNewspaperAssociation Steve Fechtner photo