I delivered the Post & Times-Star during my early high school years for Mrs. Von Broker in Dayton, Ky.
I started working in the pressroom at Eighth and Broadway in 1961, part time. I went full time in '62 and remained to finish my apprenticeship in '68. We installed the new presses in this time frame also.
I can remember when the food night section run circulation was 276,000 papers for Wednesday's product. On Wednesday, we would run five presses on the Kentucky edition.
At The Post there was a special feeling in the room, it was a family atmosphere. I left for the Enquirer in January of 1969 and have remained there and advanced to my present position, pressroom general manager.
I can remember Mr. Dunsker flying out of the stereotype room yelling, "Stop the presses. Kennedy has been shot." As an apprentice, that was the first time I hit the red button. That was a long, long sad day in the room, something you can't forget.
Since I started with The Post, I am going to end my career with The Post. I will be retiring on New Year's Day with many, many fond memories and two wet eyes.
Robert F. Hartman Jr. retires after today as pressroom general manager of the Cincinnati Enquirer, where he oversees printing of The Post.
Publication date: 12-31-2007
