The Local Paper

Just take the Local Paper,

     You know the one I mean;

The country local paper,

     Which everyone has seen.

The little country weekly

     That’s brimming o’er with news,

Which, evenings after supper,

     You anxiously peruse.

It tells about your neighbor,

     And you, and yours as well;

That is, it tells politely

     The things you wish ‘twould tell.

Don’t borrow from your neighbor,

     Subscribe and join the clan

That read, and think, and reason,

     Subscribe, and be a man.

Just take your Local Paper,

     ‘Twill broaden out your mind,

And keep, in worldly matters,

     You getting from behind.

It is an institution

     Of worth and wide renown;

That little Local Paper

     That’s published in your town.

Just take the local paper,

     And take it right along;

‘Twill always keep you posted,

     And fill your life with song.

Just take it and peruse it

     But one thought don’t forget:

“Pay up”, for money’s needed

     To run the sheet, you bet.

May 24, 1903