Image taken of the Post equipment. ca. 1980s. (2016.85)
The Printing Process
The printing press was a marvel of its time, a mechanical symphony that brought news to life in the pages of newspapers. In a time before digital technology and modern printing methods, these presses were the workhorses of the publishing industry. With their intricate mechanisms they played a pivotal role in the spread of information, contributing to the growth of newspapers as a primary source of news.
The printing press at the Lindsay Post. ca. 1910s.
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The layout of a newspaper office is the backbone of an efficient newspaper production. An optimized layout ensures that different departments, such as editorial, design, and production are strategically placed in relation to each other. This minimizes the time required to transfer materials between areas while also promoting effective communication between staff.
A well-planned layout is essential for a newspaper to effectively serve its readership and stay competitive in the ever-evolving journalism field.
Images taken of the Post equipment. ca. 1970s.
Inside the Newsroom
The layout of the Lindsay Post, located on William Street. Canadian Printer & Publisher. 1916. Published in Toronto by the MacLean-Hunter Company.
The layout of the Post was intentionally designed as a tool to maintain the production process. For example, the editor's desks often had copy windows beside them.
Staff needed a direct view of the printing press or production where the paper is being typeset or laid out, providing the opportunity for content to be accurately transferred from the editorial stage to the printing stage.
Editors could collaborate to assess the appearance of a page through the window to verify the arrangement of the design, all without having to be on their feet.
The placement of windows in the newspaper office was also essential for maintaining a well-lit, well-ventilated, and productive workspace.
Interior of the Lindsay Post. This was likely either the managerβs office or the editorial and newsroom. ca. 1930s. (2016.138.14)
The printing press at the Lindsay Post. ca. 1980s. (2016.85.10)
The Process
The Post primarily relied on letterpress technology for as long as they could before modern techniques became necessary. The process began with typesetting, where metal type characters were assembled into lines of text and then arranged using a long tray.
The proof was then used as a template for the design of the paperβs issue for that day or week. Printing plates, typically made from zinc or copper, were used to transfer the type onto inked plates by rolling the image onto the paper as it passed through the press. Once the sheets were dry, the process would begin again.
(2016.85.6)
The printing press technology during this time was labour-intensive and relied on skilled craftsmen for typesetting and operation. It played a crucial role in disseminating information and literature, contributing to the mass production of printed materials. However, even the Post was bound to transition to other printing techniques.
Letterpress printing was time-consuming and costly. In the 19th century, it could have taken 1-2 hours to complete fifty pages at maximum speed. Offset and digital printing allowed for finer details, better colour reproduction, and more attractive layouts, which was necessary for consistent readership.
The Post editor, Wayne Willis, arranges text on a long tray known as a galley. ca. 1980s. (2016.85.8)
Receipt from Wilson & Wilson. For two sheets of cardboard, the total cost was $0.24.
Receipt from January 28, 1952. (2018.2.38)
Images taken of the Post staff and equipment. ca. 1960s-80s.
As seen in later editions of the Post, other printing techniques allowed newspapers to diversify their product offerings. Special editions and colour supplements were ways in which publications could expand their revenue stream and remain competitive while media sources such as television intensified.
These changes allowed the Post to operate more efficiently, produce quality content, and adapt to the market. The paper would continue to use traditional technology for some aspects of the business.
Below: Special editions and colour supplements
Experience the Newsroom
Supplement your reading with this curated playlist.
Transport yourself into the environment of the newsroom. Listen to the rhythmic clattering of the gears, percussive sounds of the metal type, and rustling of paper rolling in the printing press.
