From My Window

A Class Act

By Jane Thibodeau Martin,



**********

Back around 1975, when I decided I wanted to major in journalism, I started looking for a summer job that would be more helpful to my future than the waitressing and grocery store checking I had been doing. I applied to the local newspapers (there were three at the time!) and got hired at the Peshtigo Times as a "girl Friday," doing whatever needed to be done. That's when I got to know Mrs. Mary Ann Gardon, who passed away recently at the age of 92 after working in the newspaper industry for more than 80 years.

Mary Ann, daughter of the owner of the paper, wore many different hats at the Times. Probably the biggest chunk of her time while I worked during college was in editing the paper. Contributions to the weekly, which covered all of Marinette County, arrived by mail or were dropped off by the dozens, often in untidy longhand or typed on manual typewriters from correspondents all over. Local families sent flowery descriptions of birthday parties and weddings, and the minutes of numerous town boards and social organizations with varying degrees of legibility piled up on her desk. She marked up these contributions in her neat, easy to read pencil, following perfect AP Stylebook standards. She never seemed to overlook a misspelled word, a grammatical error, or an incomplete sentence. In some cases, extensive surgery was required on stories, so she'd cut the paper the story was on apart, rearrange the paragraphs and tape them back together to flow more smoothly. In short, she was a skilled and natural editor working in the challenges of pre-computer news.

In the two summers and plus school holidays I worked, around 1976-78, one of the tasks I did a lot of was taking her corrected output and "setting it in type," which meant retyping the whole document into a standard format on a machine that printed it out in newspaper column format. So I saw a whole lot of her work, and my college editing class became one of my favorites because I knew the material and the AP Stylebook standards pretty well from seeing Mary Ann's efforts.

One of the things that always boggled my mind was that although her desk was heaped with incoming work and reference material, she could always instantly find anything she or I needed. It was uncanny.

Putting out a newspaper can get extremely hectic. The paper had a noon Wednesday press time, when the printing press would start doing its thumping work. Wednesday mornings were full of last minute additions, corrections and frantic advertisement changes. If you walked in and weren't used to it, you'd think it was just bedlam. Mary Ann always stayed serene and calm, I never saw her flustered. She'd still take time to say good morning to everyone, apologize if she had to make a last minute addition to your input pile, and have a smile on her face. I always appreciated the time I spent there, and while I did not end up in a newspaper career, I learned a lot of life lessons there I took to my eventual work in the paper industry.

In a strange happenstance, my father started working at the Times after he retired from his social work job. He became what I teasingly referred to as "the oldest cub reporter" in the state, covering local meetings, police reports, and writing an opinion column called "the Old Timer." He also admired Mary Ann for many reasons, not the least because she was always kind, thoughtful and interested in the lives of others. Dad had a college degree in English, but Mary Ann would catch errors in his submissions, too, much to his dismay. Dad was just a little older than she was, and they often talked about the good old days and their mutual acquaintances.

Dad loved his part-time job at the paper, and in the end worked there nearly as long as he had been a social worker. It kept him engaged and busy, and got him out of the house. He especially enjoyed writing his column, but around 2013 his cancer started to get the best of him some days, and writing became harder. I was still in Oklahoma then, but once in a while I'd get a call from Mom that the chemo was kicking his butt, and would I write a column for the week? At first it was just an occasional occurrence, but later more and more often. By the time he died in 2015, I was writing the column every week, but I would send it to Dad, and he would drop it off at the Times office and visit his friends there when he was up to it. My efforts kept him "in the loop," which he really enjoyed.

I'd stop in the Times office once in a while when I was visiting my parents, and Mary Ann, still constantly busy, would tell me "come in here and see me!" from her office, desk still piled high. She'd ask, not to make small talk but with true interest, how Mike and the kids were, what was new in our lives and make a comment or two about my columns. One of her comments, which I will always treasure, was a column on my high school experience in a Midwest small town. "You just NAILED it!" she exclaimed. I will never forget that compliment, which I rank among the most significant of my entire work experience including more than 37 years with a fortune 500 company. Mary Ann's standards were high; if she gave you an enthusiastic compliment, you felt honored.

After Dad died, I wasn't really sure if I would keep writing the column. It had been my father's, after all. I was still working full time and living in Oklahoma, and not positive I could be relevant to the Peshtigo Times audience week after week when I had been living in another state for 18 years. Mary Ann urged me to give it a try, and five years later I am still here, thanks to her. It is so strange I worked with her, a couple of decades later my father worked with her and for the last few years, I am back in such an unexpected turn of events.

Mary Ann was very intelligent and an incredibly hard worker. She raised a large family of solid citizens, and simultaneously was a talented newswoman, something that was not common in the early days of newspapers. But what I will remember her for the most was just being a really great lady of class and character. There is no doubt in my mind she is in heaven, because she is so greatly deserving of that place.

Happy Valentine's Day. There are more kinds of love than the romantic kind, so be sure to observe the day in some manner. Or buy yourself some candy if you must.

You can reach me for commentary, alternative viewpoints or ideas at this e-mail address: JanieTMartin@gmail.com.

Recent stories, opinions and photos

Issue Date	Department	Headline
03-03-2021	Sports	Cougars & Patriots Bow Out in Sectional Semis
03-03-2021	Sports	Maroon Girls Have Strong Defensive Showing
03-03-2021	Sports	Peshtigo Varsity Bowlers Headed to State Tourney
03-03-2021	Sports	State Boys Basketball Tournament in LaCrosse & Oshkosh This Week
03-03-2021	Front Page	Takes Down Light Pole
03-03-2021	Front Page	Crivitz Starting Over In Quest for Police Chief
03-03-2021	Front Page	Peshtigo School Superintendent Seeks To Partner More With City
03-03-2021	Front Page	Comprehensive Plan Deadline Topic at Marinette City Council
03-03-2021	Front Page	Peshtigo School Board To Meet On March 10
03-03-2021	Front Page	Barbara Johnston Celebrated 106th Birthday On March 3
03-03-2021	Community - Coleman	Coleman May Close Rosemont Street Alley
03-03-2021	Community - Coleman	Coleman School Board To Meet March 8th
03-03-2021	Community - Coleman	Coleman Utility Meet Monday, March 8
03-03-2021	Community - Coleman	7th Annual Equity Craft, Vendor Fair
03-03-2021	Community - Crivitz	Lady Leprechaun Shopping Day, Gun Show March 13
03-03-2021	Community - Wausaukee	$1000 Scholarship for Athelstane, Silver Cliff Graduating Seniors
03-03-2021	Community - Wausaukee	Legion Post 66 To Meet March 6
03-03-2021	Community - Wausaukee	Wausaukee Lions Annual Flower Sale
03-03-2021	Community - Wausaukee	Wausaukee Blood Drive Nets 51 Pints
03-03-2021	Perspectives	From My Window
03-03-2021	Perspectives	From our readers
03-03-2021	Perspectives	Country Cousin
03-03-2021	Obituaries	Roland C. Abel
03-03-2021	Obituaries	Barton C. Adrian
03-03-2021	Obituaries	Robert J. Barker
03-03-2021	Obituaries	Genevieve T. Cichon
03-03-2021	Obituaries	William W. Fernstrum
03-03-2021	Obituaries	Phyllis G. Fischer
03-03-2021	Obituaries	Noreen L. Garon
03-03-2021	Obituaries	Terry R. Granger
03-03-2021	Obituaries	Esther Jenquine
03-03-2021	Obituaries	Pieterdina G. Keller
03-03-2021	Obituaries	Thomas R. Kollross
03-03-2021	Obituaries	Mark R. Krzewina
03-03-2021	Obituaries	Lucille M. Lesperance
03-03-2021	Obituaries	Carol L. Philbrick
03-03-2021	Obituaries	Jeanette F. Schahczinski
03-03-2021	Obituaries	Ila R. Sparpana
03-03-2021	Obituaries	Maria M. Waldmeier
03-03-2021	Obituaries	Gale R. Wogsland
03-03-2021	Obituaries	Margaret M. Zona
02-24-2021	Front Page	Woman's Club To Donate "Story Time" Sculpture
02-24-2021	Front Page	County Board Applauds Selection Of Glenn Sartorelli To Head DHHS
02-24-2021	Front Page	Peshtigo Council To Meet March 2
02-24-2021	Front Page	Water Treatment Program Discussed At Town Meeting
02-24-2021	Front Page	Pound Village Board To Air Well Issues Feb. 26
02-24-2021	Community - Coleman	Coleman Board May Restore 5-Day In-Person Classes For Upper Grades
02-24-2021	Community - Wausaukee	Wausaukee To Hold Zoning Change Hearing March 10
02-24-2021	Community - Crivitz	By 4 to 3 Vote Crivitz Board Keeps Masks For This Year
02-24-2021	Community - Coleman	Country Line Dancing Resumes at Equity
02-24-2021	Community - Coleman	Lena School Staff Spaghetti Supper
02-24-2021	Community - Coleman	Coleman School District Pre-K Screening, Jr. K Registration
02-24-2021	Community - Crivitz	January Students of the Month at Crivitz Elem., Middle Schools
02-24-2021	Community - Crivitz	Crivitz Church Has Food and Fellowship to Go
02-24-2021	Community - Wausaukee	Wausaukee Lions Flower Sale, Bowling Tournament
02-24-2021	Community - Wausaukee	Silver Cliff Celebrates Centennial Aug. 12-14
02-24-2021	Sports	Coleman Tops Crivitz for Third Time to Take Regional Title
02-24-2021	Sports	Suring Falls to Athens in Sectional Semifinal
02-24-2021	Sports	State Runner-up Cougars Fall in Final 33-32
02-24-2021	Sports	Ice Shanty Removal Dates Approaching
02-24-2021	Sports	Peshtigo Girls Softball In Need of Players
02-24-2021	Perspectives	From our readers
02-24-2021	Perspectives	From My Window
02-24-2021	Perspectives	Country Cousin
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Marie R. Apple
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Tony F. Camp
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Jason S. Chaltry
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Dr. Richard R. Chaltry
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Judie Gowaski
02-24-2021	Obituaries	William H. Howell
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Pauline R. Ireland
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Kenneth J. Kalafut
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Mitchell A. Keyport
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Carol J. Kobus
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Robert E. Kons
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Darlene M. Kostuch
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Mark R. Krzewina
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Ann L. Lemke
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Grace L. Meyers
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Sandra J. Michaud
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Evelyn Nelson
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Norma Parker
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Alfred G. Polzin
02-24-2021	Obituaries	William Sweeting
02-17-2021	Front Page	Marinette Marine Breaks Ground For Largest Building Ever On Site
02-17-2021	Front Page	Peshtigo School Board Hears PSI, Administration Reports
02-17-2021	Front Page	Tyco/JCI Provides New Updates on PFAS Issue
02-17-2021	Front Page	Marinette School Classes Going In-Person March 1
02-17-2021	Front Page	Report To Chamber On The Fire Sesquicentennial, Kayak Dock
02-17-2021	Community - Coleman	Coleman School District Pre-K Screening, Jr. K Registration
02-17-2021	Community - Coleman	Suring School Distant Learner Numbers Drop From 58 To 31
02-17-2021	Community - Coleman	County Line Dancing Resumes at Equity
02-17-2021	Community - Crivitz	School Board To Consider Facilities, Masks, Prom
02-17-2021	Community - Crivitz	Middle Inlet Board OKs Purchase Of Fire Truck
02-17-2021	Community - Crivitz	Crivitz American Legion Gun Show March 13th
02-17-2021	Community - Wausaukee	Town of Wausaukee Sets Road Weight Limit Rules, Exceptions
02-17-2021	Community - Wausaukee	Parking On Boat Launch Road Remains Problem For Wagner
02-17-2021	Community - Wausaukee	Silver Cliff To Celebrate Centennial Aug. 12-14
02-17-2021	Sports	Area Teams Advance to Regional Second Round
02-17-2021	Sports	Regional Heart Breakers Leave Suring as Sole Survivor
02-17-2021	Sports	Boys & Girls Hockey Teams to Play for State Titles
02-17-2021	Sports	Whiting Wins Third Title; Casper Claims Silver
02-17-2021	Sports	Task Force Conducts Modified Marinette Realignment Review
02-17-2021	Sports	Marinette Youth Baseball Online Registration Starts March 1st
02-17-2021	Sports	PHS Alumni Scholarship Golf Outing July 16th
02-17-2021	Perspectives	From My Window
02-17-2021	Perspectives	From Our Readers...
02-17-2021	Perspectives	Country Cousin
02-17-2021	Obituaries	Delores M. Cline
02-17-2021	Obituaries	Robert J. Collard
02-17-2021	Obituaries	Ruth A. Davey
02-17-2021	Obituaries	James R. Derusha
02-17-2021	Obituaries	Gerald Elsner
02-17-2021	Obituaries	Melva Hetcher
02-17-2021	Obituaries	Susan K Meicht
02-17-2021	Obituaries	Darlene L. Szymusiak
02-17-2021	Obituaries	Darlean J. Webb
02-10-2021	Front Page
02-10-2021
02-10-2021	Front Page	DNR Listening Session Provides PFAS Updates
02-10-2021	Front Page	Tyco Announces Updates Of Recent Water Testing
02-10-2021	Front Page	City of Peshtigo Partners With Historical Committee
02-10-2021	Front Page	Mayor Genisot Gives State of City Address
02-10-2021	Community - Coleman	Ash Wednesday Service at Pound
02-10-2021	Community - Coleman	Annual Equity Craft, Vendor Fair June 19
02-10-2021	Community - Coleman	Coleman School District Pre-K Screening, Jr. K Registration
02-10-2021	Community - Crivitz	Community Ed Offers Farmhouse Spring Wreath
02-10-2021	Community - Crivitz	High Falls Fish-O-Rama, Radar Run, Winterfest
02-10-2021	Community - Crivitz	CBA Persons of Year Nominations Accepted
02-10-2021	Community - Wausaukee	Wausaukee Blood Drive is Feb. 15th
02-10-2021	Community - Wausaukee	Friends of Wausaukee Library Annual Fruit Sale
02-10-2021	Community - Wausaukee	Religious Ed Students Bowl for St. Jude Hospital
02-10-2021	Sports	Coleman Beats Crivitz, Stays Undefeated in M&O
02-10-2021	Sports	WIAA Tournament Play Begins; Gillett Advances Over Crivitz
02-10-2021	Sports	Coleman Wins Sectional; Advances to Team State
02-10-2021	Sports	Individuals Compete for State Wrestling Titles This Weekend
02-10-2021	Sports	DNR Publishes Sturgeon Spearing Season Forecast
02-10-2021	Perspectives	From My Window
02-10-2021	Perspectives	Country Cousin
02-10-2021	Obituaries	Marjorie A. Barley
02-10-2021	Obituaries	William J. Bohan
02-10-2021	Obituaries	Mary M. Coddington
02-10-2021	Obituaries	Sue Flanner
02-10-2021	Obituaries	Mary Ann Gardon
02-10-2021	Obituaries	Donald E. Hayes Jr.
02-10-2021	Obituaries	Sandy R. Hendrickson
02-10-2021	Obituaries	Charlotte A. Hoffman
02-10-2021	Obituaries	Sue M. Jones
02-10-2021	Obituaries	Karen A. Konop
02-10-2021	Obituaries	Joseph Krzewina Jr.