Rusk’s Cherokeean Herald celebrates 175 years of publication
RUSK, Texas (KETK)- The Cherokeean Herald, one of Texas’ oldest running publications, celebrated 175 years of print on Wednesday.
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In 1850 a man named Andrew J. Jackson began the Cherokeean Herald in Rusk. 175 years later, the current owners John and Penny Hawkins gave the credit for their success to the community.
“We are sort of the voice, for the community, whether it’s obituaries or high school football or, you know, who’s being born, what revival, we’re just a voice for the community, we’re a reflection of the community,” said John Hawkins, co-owner and publisher, the Cherokeean Herald paper.
This Valentine’s Day, people from across East Texas filled the Citizens 1st Bank to honor the paper. Among them was State Representative Cody Harris who was there to present the Hawkins family with a certificate. He says the newspaper is important to Cherokee County.
“When most newspapers have been bought up by corporate interests out of state, this one here is still locally run, locally owned, and all about the local news, which is really special,” said State Rep. Cody Harris, (R) Palestine.
Penny says since she and John took over in 2022 they have seen the publication continue to grow, including their online presence.
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“We have actually online readers all over the United States, I’m astounded at what people read the Cherokee it’s wonderful,” said Penny Hawkins, co-owner and general manager, the Cherokeean Herald paper.
With over 175 years of history, it’s amazing that they can have some of the old original publications and memorabilia sitting in the Heritage Center of the Cherokee County Museum.
Old printings of the Cherokeean Herald Old printings of the Cherokeean Herald Old printings of the Cherokeean Herald Old printings of the Cherokeean Herald
“We’re just charged with preserving it, and if you can look at some of the books and things around, see some of the pages going back to 1857, it’s awesome,” said John.
The Hawkins hope they can continue the legacy of the paper for years to come, and thank everyone who supported them.
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