Once again I’m seeking the help of Colfax Record readers in finding someone in our community who gives selflessly to others.
For the third year, the Record is planning to present the Scoop Thurman Community Service Award to an individual who is making a difference in this community.
The award is named for a man, who along with his wife, Susie, made a huge impact on our community.
When Scoop moved to the foothills in 1918, Colfax was the Mecca for tuberculosis sufferers. He, too, was seeking relief.
According to Colfax resident and former Record employee John Fulton, Scoop regained his health under the watchful eye of Dr. Robert Peers, who established the first hospitals for the treatment of tuberculosis in Colfax and Weimar.
A former employee of the San Francisco Call, Scoop had been a subscription representative for magazines when he and his wife, Susie, purchased the Record in 1919.
Under their leadership, the paper quickly grew – both in size and readers (more than 1,000 subscribers).
Scoop is perhaps best remembered for his “Sporting Pink,” a section devoted to local, regional and national sports.
Equally popular was the newspaper’s column, “Razzberries,” which was filled with tidbits about local businesses or residents as well as their opinions on happenings — good and bad – in the community.
Every community between Applegate and Emigrant Gap, Foresthill and the Magnolia District in Nevada County had a social column in the paper.
Scoop was among the first publishers in the nation to send free copies of the paper to local men and women serving in the military during World War II.
In November 1930, the Thurmans moved the Record office to new quarters on Church Street where the office remained until last year.
It’s not just his success as a businessman that I admire. It’s his community service.
He was postmaster from 1924 to 1933, served in the California Assembly from 1938 to 1947 and was a state senator for one year.
Apparently he was also a longtime member of the Illinoistown Lodge 51, Free & Accepted Masons, serving as Lodge Master in 1948.
Past winners have been longtime Colfax business owners Pene and the late Gary Todd, who were tireless volunteers and successful business owners; and Gertrude Paul, who has devoted countless hours to the preservation of Colfax’s history and culture through the Colfax Area Historical Society and the Colfax Area Garden Club.
Now, I’m asking for your help. I know there are individuals out there who deserve to be recognized for their efforts.
If you know someone who you believe is making a difference in people’s lives, much as Scoop Thurman and our past winners have done, send me an e-mail (gloriab@goldcountrymedia.com) explaining why you are nominating this person.
Or mail your nomination to the Colfax Record, P.O. Box 755, Colfax, by Jan. 3.
I’m looking forward to hearing from you.
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Scoop Thurman Community Service Award
What: Given annual to individual who is making a difference in the community.
Who: Thurman was editor/publisher of the Colfax Record from 1919 to 1954. He was a successful businessman and community activist.
Deadline: Nominations due by Jan. 3. Send information on nominee (250 words or less) to Gloria Beverage via e-mail (gloriab@goldcountrymedia.com) or deliver to the Record office, 233 So. Auburn St., Suite 205.