Last month, a reader called me hoping to get a photo printed from a story that ran in the magazine. “When did the story run?” I asked. 1977.
Hmm. Forty-six years ago. I tried unsuccessfully to stifle a laugh. Unfortunately, with the volume of content we produce, storing photos for long periods of time isn’t possible.
This month, another reader was looking for a story from 1960. Most likely, we can get them a scan or copy of the story. We have bound copies of most every magazine we have printed since the early 1950s.
After these requests, I was thinking about how wonderful it is to produce a publication that even 46 years or more later someone finds valuable. Ruralite magazine chronicles a lot of local history on its pages through its photography and stories. Your local utility uses these pages to keep you informed about important events such as annual meetings, elections and factors that affect your rates.
If you think this story is sweet, read our feature starting on page 12 about a group of volunteer bakers who use their creations to make birthday dreams come true for children dealing with severe illnesses. Icing Smiles and its Sugar Angels have delivered almost 30,000 cakes and more than 60,000 cookies since it began in 2010.
That is a lot of flour and eggs.
If cake and candles aren’t your thing—if this is true, we can’t be friends—maybe you will enjoy our story on page 10 about the International Dark Sky Association, whose dual mission is to protect our night skies from light pollution and protect wildlife life cycles.
Next time you venture outside at night, take a moment to marvel at the array of twinkling lights visible on a dark, clear evening. If you are away from bright city lights, you will have an extra special view.