Virtual Exhibit:
Our History Through the Lindsay Post
EXHIBITION OVERVIEW
The Lindsay Post (1861-2013) is a historic newspaper in the town of Lindsay, Ontario. Founded with the mission of informing residents about the events and development of the town and surrounding areas, the newspaper has played an integral role in the social and cultural fabric of its community.
The Post’s commitment to journalism excellence has been unwavering. Its dedicated teams of publishers, editors, and photographers sought to provide comprehensive and accurate coverage of local news and events throughout its reign. Through its opinion pieces, the paper fostered a sense of unity and shared identity among the residents of Lindsay and neighbouring municipalities.
In a society of rapidly evolving media landscapes, the Lindsay Post stood as a testament to the enduring importance of community journalism. It evolved by introducing supplementary editions and expanding its influence in the newspaper industry. During the 1960s, the Post saw an influential figure in the form of editor Alan Capon (1932-2014), whose editorial contributions left a lasting impression on the paper’s character and content. Throughout its storied history, the Post underwent numerous changes in ownership, with the final proprietor being Roy Wilson (1891-1981). His passing marked the end of an era, leading to the eventual closure of this publication.
As we delve into the rich history of the Lindsay Post, we uncover an outstanding narrative of journalistic resilience, community engagement, and the enduring significance of this small town paper.
ABOUT THE JOURNALIST
Alan Roy Capon (1932-2014) was born in Ipswich, Suffolk, England to a middle class family. Following a brief introduction into the newspaper business, he joined the National Service in England and later, the Royal Air Force. Alan immigrated to Canada after his service. He found work at the Robert Simpson Company advertising department, though longed to continue in the reporting industry. With a crew of six, Alan established the Minden Progress; a semi-monthly paper that filled the gap in local news and often operated out-of-house.
He assembled compelling stories of the public as editor of the Lindsay Daily Post in 1963 through 1970. He extended himself in a variety of organizations that inspired a strong sense of community throughout his lifetime. He also worked alongside prominent figures integral to the history of Lindsay, documenting events that would propel the town’s development. Equally adept at obtaining newspaper features, photojournalism, and interpersonal communication, Alan’s influence helped strengthen the publications he contributed to during the Post and well into his retirement.
“Alan greatly enjoyed his career as a journalist. He was very much a people person and greeted every assignment with enthusiasm. He never left a meeting early or thought of a story too inconsequential to be of interest…He could get the story when most of us would have given up.”
-Margaret Haylock-Capon, wife of editor Alan Capon
CONTINUE FURTHER INTO THE ARCHIVES
The Kawartha Lakes Museum & Archives has digitized thousands of issues of the Canadian Post and the Lindsay Post, in addition to related negatives that belonged to one of its editors. Are you conducting research? Staff and the public may visit the Internet Archive to search through various newspaper material in our collection. All issues are keyword searchable online.
Credits
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Organized by the Kawartha Lakes Museum and Archives.
This online exhibition is curated by Har-Leigh Arsenault, digitization assistant in the archives department, Kawartha Lakes Museum and Archives.
The project collaborates in tandem with the digitization of the Lindsay Post conducted by Jenna Locke, digitization lead in the archives department, Kawartha Lakes Museum and Archives.
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The online exhibition is made possible through the support of the Museums Assistance Program (MAP). The Digital Access to Heritage component fosters improved access to heritage collections through collections digitization and digital content development.
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We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have made Our History Through the Lindsay Post possible. We would like to acknowledge:
Lyne Archambault: For providing the French translations, making it possible for us to share this collection with a wider audience.
Pasquino Productions: For their exceptional work in capturing and bringing our online exhibit to life.
Steve Campbell
Margaret Haylock-Capon
Susan Capon
For their invaluable contribution that significantly enhanced the quality and depth of our online exhibit.
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For media-related questions, further information about our exhibits, or to request interviews with curators or museum staff, please contact the email listed below.
info@klmuseumarchives.ca