History of the Word
Pat Kenny wasn’t looking to become a writer or a publisher of a newspaper. But that’s exactly what happened in September of 1977 with the debut of the West Bluff Word. The paper began with six pages and a circulation of 3,000, and grew to 11,000 circulation and 28 to 32 pages.
“The paper started out to be a newsletter,” explains Pat, “and it evolved into a newspaper. My concern was to preserve the neighborhood and promote history. There were six neighborhood organizations at the time and we needed something to get the message out to people in the various neighborhoods. JoAnn Thomas and I started this together and then she left after two years (to pursue other endeavors). It took a lot of effort to do the paper.”
The newspaper was a free monthly publication, staffed and distributed to homes by neighborhood volunteers. “I never drew a salary,” says Pat. The paper was supported by ads.
In the second year of publication, it was reported there were three main goals for the paper when it began: “To report the news from our six neighborhood associations – Uplands, Moss-Bradley, Bradley West, University East, Columbia Terrace North, and Randolph-Roanoke – so as to share ideas with the community as a whole; to highlight the many hidden resources of our thriving neighborhood so as to utilize them better; and to serve as a people’s press, wishing to aid and stimulate the community for its betterment.”
A reminder was also included in that issue saying “Reader participation is a vital ingredient in keeping this newspaper alive to the needs of the community. We have had some criticism and some controversy and that’s good, because it means people are reading the paper…”
As the readership and size of the paper increased, so did the work involved. “It was a very rewarding and satisfying time, and the paper was all consuming. The paper was well received and I’m proud to have been a part of it,” says Pat. “There’s something about having a voice in things, (she did some of the writing and editorials) and the written word does give influence.”
Pat published the last paper in April of 1988. In her front page farewell, she wrote that the newspaper’s “growth makes it evident that the West Bluff is a special place and its residents unique. Although the closing of the paper may be seen by some as a great loss, I do not believe that the closing of one activity of the West Bluff will hamper the spirit of the residents. It is that spirit that makes the West Bluff a wonderful place to live.” She thanked her husband, John, her five children, and a list of people who helped with everything from inspiration to delivery to the first $300 in advertising that was used to start the paper.
After a four-month hiatus, the paper resumed publication with new owners Dr. Jack Fought and Dr. Joe Misiewicz, both Communication Professors at Bradley University. The name later changed to The Community Word, and ownership eventually changed to Bob Renner and then later to Debbie Adlof, the current Publisher/Editor.
“I’m glad the paper has continued,” says Pat. “I’m into historic preservation and preserving the neighborhoods and I especially enjoyed that part of the paper.”
Originally from Ireland, Pat says “History and living in neighborhoods is very much appreciated in Europe.” She and her husband, John, came to Peoria 43 years ago when John, who died five years ago, accepted a teaching position at Bradley University. Pat, 69, is a broker/realtor with Kallister Realty.
She’s lavish in her praise of the many people who worked on the West Bluff Word. “My husband helped, my children helped, so many people contributed to the paper in different ways. People were just wonderful. They couldn’t have been more cooperative than they were. I couldn’t have done it without them!”
Pat is proud of the efforts of everyone who was involved in the paper. “We succeeded in giving everyone an appreciation for the history of the West Bluff and we succeeded in promoting the neighborhoods.”
The paper continues today as The Community Word, and is still supportive of neighborhoods and community. It continues as a free publication with distribution throughout the city at over 225 locations throughout downtown and central Peoria neighborhoods, Peoria Heights, and West Peoria. It can also be viewed online at www.thecommunityword.com
“Contribution of articles, ideas, suggestions or comments are not only welcomed, but earnestly sought. Diversity of thought is a valuable part of the Word,” writes Debbie Adlof, Publisher/Editor
