Thursday, January 13, 2011

More paperboy redux: A note from my old boss

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Thanks to everyone for checking out my Paper Route Redux video on Wednesday and passing it around. After worrying about it and delaying the release for nearly a month, I'm happy to declare the experiment a success. I've received dozens of wonderful e-mails from former Chronicle paper carriers and other well-wishers. I look forward to pouring a cocktail and giving them my full attention in a couple of days. Please keep your paper route stories coming!

The most mind-blowing message by far came from the man who was my boss in 1983 ... and still works for the Chronicle. Here's his e-mail:

I'm guessing this was in triplicate.

I added the red arrow.

Hi Peter,

I just saw your paper route video. What a great story.

I actually hired you. I was the Area Advisor and I contracted you for the route, my signature is on the 'Parent Consent' agreement, and Mike Shores, who was the Home Delivery Supervisor at the time, signed the contract.

Your throwing technique was OK, a little rusty, but not bad.

I wish you the best with your story and hope you get many responses!

Thanks for the flashback!

Don Leary

San Francisco Chronicle/SFGate

State Circulation Supervisor

Thanks for the charitable assessment of my throwing abilities and congratulations on an amazing career! (Don told me he's been at the Chronicle for more than 40 years.) I hope I can buy you a beer some time in 2011, since I was about a decade too young to do it when we worked together.

Don's signature is highlighted in the image to the right. I've scanned in the full contract below. Read More 'More paperboy redux: A note from my old boss ' »

Posted By: Peter Hartlaub (Email, Twitter) | Jan 13 at 06:32 AM

Listed Under: Paper Route Redux | Permalink