Aitkin Independent Age

For over 130 years, the Independent Age has had an eagle eye on the northland.

The Age's first newspaper issue rolled off a hand-operated press press April 7, 1883. Publisher E.F. Barrett composed the news and ads from his office just a few doors north of the Age's current office on Minnesota Ave. N. in Aitkin, Minn.

Barrett didn't make big promises. In fact, he wrote, "Persons who promise too much are often the least relied upon." He did declare one thing clearly, "The town (and county which included Aitkin, Cass, Itasca, and Koochiching) which gives it birth is one of the best in the state and believing in it and its brilliant future this paper will never cease to advocate its interests and to call the attention of the public to the generous advantages it offers for investment or business."

The philosophy continues today. The Age staff doesn't like to over-promise, but truly enjoys delivering as much or more than readers and advertisers expect. Aitkin County with its rich natural resources, forests and more than 300 lakes remains a destination for people from across the state. It seems everyone has a connection here.

The secret to the Age's ability to survive and thrive is its relationship it has with its readers and advertisers. Media today measure success by the interactivity they have with readers. User-submitted content is a term demonstrating a media's interactive strength.

The Age is fortunate to publish more user-submitted news, photos, letters to the editor, classified ads, digital and print display ads than any neighboring media. With print readers, aitkinage.com readers, Facebook fans and Twitter followers, readership has never been higher. However readers want to consume local news and ads, the Age will provide it.

The staff thanks you, our loyal readers and advertising partners. We toast all of you as well as founder E.F. Barrett for a great yesterday - today - and tomorrow.