Fillmore Newspaper Comparisons: Herald vs. American

Ventura County Fair:
The Ventura County Fair has been synonymous with the county, as the annual tradition provides opportunities for cities to showcase their charm. So, it should come as no surprise that both the Fillmore American and Fillmore Herald covered the 1926 fair. The former was underwhelmed with the lack of Fillmore representation at the summer fair. For example, the Fillmore American mentioned they had no community exhibit, no educational display, and there was a record for non-Fillmore participation, claiming that the fair “should not occur again.”

In comparison, the Fillmore Herald created a headline titled, “Most Successful Fair in History of County Just Passed” on the front page. The Herald opted to showcase the overall success of the fair, by mentioning the overall attendance from around the county and the exhibits that attracted the most visitors. They went as far as stating that, “The fair this year received unanimous verdict as being the greatest fair in the county’s history…bringing together the best that the county provides. Both newspapers were correct in their assessment because of the recorded lack of Fillmore representation, but that did not take away from the overall success of the county fair.

St. Francis Dam Collapse:
The St. Francis Dam Collapse was one of the most catastrophic events for Fillmore, with approximately 400-450 people passing away in California as the result of the dam’s failures. Naturally, there are a lot of strong opinions and emotions after a monumental disaster. The Fillmore American approached the collapse as the fault of Los Angeles, and they should assume all the responsibility for the damage they caused. Their stance stood strong, with the heading that “Responsibility for [St. Francis Dam] Disaster Undoubtedly up to Los Angeles.” Their opinions would not hold back, further asserting the big city is the most selfish and arrogant in the Pacific, neglecting the consequences of the faulty dam structure which led to hundreds of deaths, and that a reckoning will come their way after rehabilitation.

The Fillmore Herald instead framed the event as a natural disaster and said that readers should feal sympathy for everyone involved, including Los Angeles. Instead of using your anger to place blame upon the city of Los Angeles, acknowledge they made mistakes and help everyone affected. The Herald proclaimed that Los Angeles was on record of assuming responsibility and was squarely focused on paying all damage, differing from the American’s stance that they were pressured into repaying damage costs. In another direct contrast between the two newspapers, the Fillmore Herald wrote, “Let us not in an way nullify the attitude by showing hostility or by trying to take advantage in a question of values.” This shows the more moderate point-of-view from the Herald, as compared to the angry, more unfiltered Fillmore American counterpart.

Great Depression (1931):
In 1931, the Great Depression was having massive effects across the country and, considering the time period, local newspapers shared information on the ongoing circumstances. The Fillmore American was once again unapologetic in sharing their opinions. The main root of the cause for worsening economic and unemployment reasons in Fillmore was due to the nature of chain stores. Independent merchants could not keep up with the low prices from larger corporations, as the merchants and farmers needed to make profit in struggling times. The American even criticized other local newspapers for not speaking out against the discrepancy between chains and independents, saying, “Heaven save us from those who refuse to read the handwriting on the wall.”

On the other hand, the Fillmore Herald focused their attention on the citrus industry, since that was a main component of the economy. They reported instances of lemons and oranges specifically doing well and that citrus returns were doing exceptionally well. While there was reporting on the well-being of the citrus industry, there was no denying that other citrus and agricultural were failing and the Herald did acknowledge those shortcomings. Yet, even with the recognition of most of Fillmore’s population struggling, there was still an emphasis on looking on the bright side and focusing on the good aspects of certain businesses thriving and the ability to overcome the Great Depression together.

Conclusion:
The comparison of Fillmore’s two newspapers in the early twentieth century shows the importance of how information is both portrayed and received. Even though both newspapers are correct in the information they are sharing, there are still biases and messages that the publishers wish to convey. For instance, even something as simple as the Great Depression is showcased in two separate tones with the American stating “no one can question the present period of depression,” and the Herald using success of payments to say Fillmore is flourishing in a “so-called depression.” Whether it be a county fair, dam collapse, or period of economic uncertainty, newspapers provide valuable insight into life during that era and for what local communities believed.

Works Cited
“Assessments Due on City Streets Almost Paid. Fillmore Herald, July 10, 1931.
“Committee Asks Fair Play in Damage Claims.” Fillmore Herald, March 23, 1928.
“County Officials and the Chain Store.” Fillmore American, September 8, 1931.
“Great Fair-Lacked One Thing.” Fillmore American, September 23, 1926.
“Increased Demand for our Lemons.” Fillmore Herald, June 19, 1931.
“Most Successful Fair in History of County Just Passed.” Fillmore Herald, September 24, 1926.
“Not a Time for Isms.” Fillmore American, July 17, 1931.
“Relief, Rehabilitation, and then-The Reckoning.” Fillmore American, March 15,1928.
“Responsibility for Disaster Undoubtedly up to Los Angeles.” Fillmore American, March 15, 1928.