Harry Golden

 Flying Expressions - by Nigel A  JAMES

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The Golden Years 

In 1958, when Harry Golden published his book, Only in America, he was at the top of one of the most unusual newspaper successes that America had ever seen!

His monthly paper, The Carolina Israelite, was a solo achievement.  It consisted of 16 pages, and each complete with adverts and items, and, every single word was his own.  He never wrote copy, personals, socials, or published press-releases. What he did write came all from himself and his past! 

And his past had a thread.  When he was young in New York he did everything.  He was a porter, a salesman, an editor, a journalist, and, many other things, as well. And, it was there, with the energy of youth, that he spent most of his spare time with a book in his hands. There was nothing better for writing than reading! And, so it was, that after arriving in Carolina he founded the Carolina Israelite. A paper, which despite its name, spoke to every man, woman and child in America.

 And, his paper was a success.  Harry Golden understood people. Many folk, whilst reading his articles (which, by-the-way, he called “editorials”) said that they were like reading letters from a friend, and, when the time came round for the paper - time came round for the family. Reading the paper together was the highlight of the month for many American families.

But, of course, sooner or later, everyone has to give in to the years that they’ve saved, and, in 1968, Harry wrote the last of his editorials and put the Carolina Israelite to bed for the very last time.  And there has never been anything like it since.  How could there be?  As Ralph Emerson wrote, “Whoso would be a man must be a nonconformist”.  And a nonconformist was Harry in one!

A Hall for Relating! - by Nigel A JAMES