House Resolution 44

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RICHTON DISPATCH.

WHEREAS, in 1910, W.R. Wilson and his brother, the Reverend J. Lafayette Wilson, owned and published the New Albany Gazette; and

WHEREAS, W.R. Wilson had two sons who followed him into the newspaper business, one, L.A. Wilson, Sr., in 1914, went to work for The Richton Dispatch, first published in 1905, and purchased it from Dr. Willis Walley in 1915; and

WHEREAS, in 1933, Mr. Wilson became ill, leaving his wife, Josie Wilson, to become editor and publisher until their son L.A. Wilson, Jr., who learned the printing business as a young boy in his father’s shop, purchased the business and became editor and publisher in 1955 after working seven years with the Washington Evening Star in Washington, D.C.; and

WHEREAS, L.A. Wilson, Jr.’s, son, Larry, is a fourth generation Wilson in the newspaper business, who, like his father before him, learned the printing business as a young man in his father’s shop; and

WHEREAS, after college, Larry came back to work in the family business, and when his father became ill in 1986, Larry assumed most of the duties of the business, becoming editor and publisher of The Richton Dispatch at his father’s death in 1986; and

WHEREAS, Larry and his mother, Mrs. Dean Wilson, continue operating the paper and printing shop, thus carrying out the family legacy of providing quality information and service to its readers and subscribers; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence in outstanding business entities within the state, such as the Richton Dispatch, whose rich history and longevity have been an icon of dedication, success and family commitment:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate The Richton Dispatch on the occasion of its 100th anniversary to be commemorated in April 2005.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to The Richton Dispatch and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.