International Newspaper Carrier Day is observed on varying dates, and is established by the Newspaper Association of America. Future dates: October 15, 2011, October 20, 2012, October 19, 2013, October 18, 2014.
Newspaper Carrier Day honors everyone who is now, or once was, a newspaper carrier. The list includes thousands, if not millions, of people. Years ago, this job was primarily populated by kids, from pre-teen through approximately sixteen. At that age, many, but not all, kids moved to restaurant, grocery store and retail type of jobs.
About Newspaper Carrier Day:
This day commemorates the hiring of the very first newspaper carrier. Newspaper carriers date back to the early 1800s. On September 10, 1833, 10 year old Barney Flaherty became the first newspaper carrier. Benjamin Day, publisher of The New York Sun, hired Barney Flaherty to sell papers for his penny press. The only job requirement, was that he had to show that he could throw a newspaper into the bushes.
Now, few kids deliver papers anymore except in small towns. But, but the “Carrier Day” tradition lives. This job is now largely held by adults, many of them delivering the paper from their cars.
About International Newspaper Carrier Day:
This day recognizes the importance of newspaper carriers in getting the newspaper each day into the hands of millions of readers. This day honors carriers all over the world, as they deliver the paper diligently in all kinds of weather conditions.
Even President Ronald Reagan got in on the act. On October 6, 1982, he wrote a brief message supporting this day.
Have a very happy Newspaper Carrier Day.