With his riveting piece in last week’s Vineyard Gazette, operations manager Jim Pfeiffer set the tone for a birthday bash unlike any scene on Davis Lane in Edgartown history. Dozens of townspeople, subscribers and passers-by crowded into the press room of the Gazette building to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Goss Community Press.

Mr. Pfeiffer explained precise details in the printing process, from the paper quality (45 pounds) to the weight of a roll of paper (975 pounds). This “new” offset press, was delivered to the Gazette in April of 1975.

The quality of the printed page is micromanaged by Mr. Pfeiffer and head pressman Music Moreau, ensuring readers get a quality newspaper distributed across the Island and mailed to customers in America each week.

Attendees swarmed around the pressroom to see the actual printing process unfold in four massive printers. There is a fine balance of water and ink applied to the rollers to ensure just the right contrast of the print on the paper. A key element is the humidity level in the press room which should be about 50 per cent.

With a crowd standing in awe of the massive press in operation, the humidity from the humanity rose, causing the paper to jam. The audience was familiar with paper jams on home printers. Mr. Moreau and Mr. Pfeiffer got to work correcting the mishap, and soon the finished copy was accumulating in the out box.

The audience eagerly shared this special edition as it circulated about the press room.

“These are special people,” said audience member Dana Fokos.

And they are. It’s clearly a team effort at the Gazette, supporting the printers in getting the paper published.

The birthday bash proved an educational experience to the enthusiastic audience. It was also a chance for neighbor to meet neighbor and celebrate the Gazette’s long run of 179 years and counting. Everyone was grateful to be part of this experience.

Long live the Goss Press!

Tom and Joyce Dresser

Oak Bluffs