The Call and Post readership was all abuzz over last week’s story about Evelyn Patton-Davis. The Call and Post’s new “poster girl,” after having been identified as the only female in a crowd of boys on the famed 1935 newsboys photo, captured the hearts and minds of our staff and the many readers who came across the front page story.
By KEVIN ‘CHILL’ HEARD
Managing Editor
The Call and Post readership was all abuzz over last week’s story about Evelyn Patton-Davis. The Call and Post’s new “poster girl,” after having been identified as the only female in a crowd of boys on the famed 1935 newsboys photo, captured the hearts and minds of our staff and the many readers who came across the front page story.
And, guess who just so happened to drop by the Call and Post to pick up a few papers? Yes, as if she was just another C&P purchaser, the 90 year-old Evelyn Patton-Davis strolled into our office “almost” undetected to pick up a few papers.
Only after being engaged in casual conversation by C&P Chief Connie Harper, did the incredibly spry Patton-Davis mention that her story and picture was in the paper last week. Realizing that this woman was both witness and participant to our most iconic photo in addition to being the heart-warming subject of that current week’s 95th anniversary piece, Connie put the breaks on her informal drive-by. Her attempt to come and go without being held in high regard had been foiled.
Even before her story and photo hit the front page, news of her existence, effervescence and youthful spirit swept through the Call & Post, making her an in-house celebrity. With news that she was among us, we gathered around her as if a head-of-state or pop culture diva had entered the building.
During the early part of our work day, Mrs. Patton-Davis regaled us on Cleveland’s Black history. Her recollection of people and places was both enlightening and entertaining. Her charm and wit enthralling. She is destined to be a hit at any future C&P anniversary gatherings, not to mention a sure-to-be stand-out contributor for the documentation of 95 years of Call and Post employees currently being organized.
In Evelyn Patton-Davis, we see the best of us. Though we all may not be connected by a famous photo, we are all connected to a brand, the Call and Post. The journey of one of us is linked to the efforts of all of us. I’ve said it before and will say it a million more times – “The People’s Paper” – it’s who we are.
Just as Evelyn Patton-Davis has a story to tell, so it is with each and every person, young and old, that has worked here in any capacity. As far back as Allen E. Cole’s 1935 photo to the recently taken staff picture a few months ago, we are looking for Call and Post workers to share their experience in light of a shared entity that has survived and thrived over the past 95 years. Let your story be told!
The Call and Post newspaper, 95 years and counting.
It’s time for you to stand up and be counted. Be a part of the history that you or your family helped to build. If you worked for the Call and Post newspaper in any capacity, email us at Info@call-post.com or give us a call at (216) 588-6700.
Yes, we are still looking for you!
