Alvin community celebrates history of The Sun

The Northern Brazoria County Chamber of Commerce held a special ribbon cutting ceremony for The Alvin Sun, celebrating both the publication’s 135th anniversary and new location at 218 W. House Street.

By STEPHEN COLLINS, Managing Editor, The Alvin Sun

ALVIN - The surrounding communities in Northern Brazoria County came together to celebrate The Alvin Sun’s long history, Aug. 8 at the newspaper’s office.

The Northern Brazoria County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony, recognizing both the county’s oldest newspaper’s 135th anniversary and new location at 218 W. House Street. 

Other festivities included the newspaper holding an open house along with receiving a special proclamation from Senator Mayes Middleton’s office and two door prizes given away in drawings to local businesses.

“We thank you for your continuous support,” Advertising Director/Office Manager Karritta Fitts said. 

“We are committed to being more than just a news source; we strive to be an integral part of the community, involved in your events and special occasions.

“We are here because of you and for you, and we look forward to many more years of serving you. We thank the Chamber for bringing everyone together to help us celebrate our anniversary.”

Stephanie Tanner, district director for Sen. Mayes’ office, presented the proclamation to Fitts.

“Few newspapers can claim well over a century of continuous publication, and the management and staff of The Alvin Sun may indeed take pride in its long history of service to the residents of Brazoria County,” said Tanner reading the proclamation. “Now, therefore, be it resolved that The Alvin Sun be congratulated on its 135th Anniversary and that all those associated with the newspaper be extended sincere best wishes for the future.”

Several area businesses attended the event along with Mayor Gabe Adame and Council member Scott Salter of Alvin: Manvel Council member Crystal Sarmiento, Iowa Colony Council member Arnetta Hicks-Murry, Alvin ISD Executive Athletic Director Michael Bass, Associate AD Carla Newsom and Assistant AD Darrin Andrus; AISD Chief Communications Officer Renae Rives; AISD Director of Communication Services Rachel Moore; Brazoria County Commissioner Candidate for Precinct 2 Albert Froberg; Brazoria County Justice of the Peace Candidate Pct. 1 Place 1 Kacey Roman; and former newspaper staff members Betty Crawford, Kathleen Holton and Sheri Drake Saenz.

The newspaper is currently in its fifth location over its 135-year history. At one time it was located downtown in the 100 block of North Gordon and then around the corner on 107 E. Sealy Street, before moving to 201 E. House Street in November of 1977. With ground already broken on a new building on 570 Dula Street in 1997, the 201 E. House Street facility was destroyed by a fire in early March 1997.

Alvin Fire Marshall Spencer Chaffin ruled the fire to be arson, “noting an accelerant was found at the front of the building.”

However, The Alvin Sun was quickly moved to temporary quarters in a portion of the All State Building at 400. E. House Street (across the street from the post office) and continued its longtime tradition of never missing a publication despite suffering through devastating circumstances.

The paper then moved to 570 Dula Street once the building was completed in June of 1997 and stayed for the next 28 years.

To commemorate the event, the Alvin Sun’s special 135th Anniversary edition was published Aug. 10, featuring vintage photos and a complete history of the newspaper which started life as The Alvin News.

This article was originally published in The Alvin Sun.