The News Journal is losing their long time employee, Albert Gordley. He has been with the paper since he was a Sophomore in high school, which was 42 years ago.
When Albert started working for the newspapers he made $5 to $6 a week. He worked after school and on the weekends running errands and helping out wherever needed.
At that time there were two newspapers. Albert quit the Journal, under the management of Lou S. Allard and went to work for the Daily Derrick which was located in the basement uptown (the basement by Miller Bros. now) for more money. The two papers combined when the war started. Albert continued to work for the two papers, which is where he has been all of these years.
Albert remembers when the paper went to press bi-weekly, but when the war started, the economy fell off so they went weekly. He says that at one time they printed three times a week, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. They were also printing for the Lake Keystone paper.
Albert has seen a lot of changes with the paper in all of the years he has been here. He has helped D. Earl Newsom with research of his two books by looking through back papers he has kept stored at the newsroom. One thing about Albert, he's always there when you need him and never complains to anyone.
Albert has been married to his wife, Jewel since August 1, 1958. They met at the First Assembly of God Church where they still attend. Albert's parents are Bertie Mae (Edmond) Gordley and the late Charles L. Gordley. His mother, 95, is a patient in the Cushing Nursing Home, where Albert visits her regularly. His mother was born in Prague, Ok. and his father's family came from Illinois.
Albert has two sisters and 1 sister and brother that have passed on. He and his two sisters still keep in touch and see each other when possible.
Albert was born in Prague, Ok. (He won't tell us what year!). His dad first came to Drumright and got a job working with Pat Badgers Ice Company as Chief Engineer. He then moved Albert and the rest of the family here. Albert was then two years of age and has been here ever since.
He attended grade school here at Drumright and went on to attend and graduate from Drumright High School.
Albert says he has really enjoyed working here at the newspaper all of these years. It's certainly not going to be the same without him not here! We'll miss you Albert!!
On Thursday, April 30, Albert Gordley was given a surprise retirement party by his fellow workers at the Drumright News Journal.
Albert was presented a gift from the employees which was a ceramic owl. There was a refreshment table set up with a cake which looked like the front of a newspaper stating, "Albert Gordley Retires After 42 Years of Service", also a crystal punch bowl which held the punch made of raspberry ice cream and seven-up.
After Albert opened his gift, cake and punch were served. The guests then enjoyed picture taking and talking about the years past Albert had been there.
(Note: Mother, Gordley, Birdie May/Mae; Brother, Gordley, James Edward)
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