Nostalgic Memories of Baltimore Newspaper Delivery

Former 'Blair Road Boys' recall their days as young paperboys in Northeast Baltimore

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A reader commentary in the Baltimore Sun reminisces about a local group called the 'Blair Road Boys' who would gather monthly to share memories of their days delivering newspapers in Northeast Baltimore over 60 years ago. The group, made up of men born before 1944, would swap stories about their experiences working for publications like The Sun, The Evening Sun, The Baltimore News-Post, and The Baltimore News-American.

Why it matters

The article highlights how newspaper delivery used to be a more personal, community-driven experience, with local groups like the 'Blair Road Boys' forming to stay connected over their shared experiences. As delivery has become more professionalized, these types of neighborhood traditions have faded, though readers who still prefer print news continue to appreciate the delivery teams.

The details

The 'Blair Road Boys' had no formal membership requirements, but no one born after 1944 ever attended the monthly lunch gatherings. At their peak, the group could attract 40 or more people, with at least six out of eight people at one table having delivered papers for major Baltimore publications decades earlier. The 'Blair' in the group's name was a local pronunciation of 'Belair', a major thoroughfare in Northeast Baltimore where the group's members lived.

  • The 'Blair Road Boys' group was active over 60 years ago.
  • The group's monthly gatherings were at their peak in the past.

The players

Ann Ross

A reader who wrote a letter to the editor of the Baltimore Sun praising her newspaper delivery service.

The Blair Road Boys

An informal group of former newspaper delivery men in Northeast Baltimore who would gather monthly to share memories of their experiences.

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The takeaway

This story highlights how local traditions and community bonds can form around shared experiences, even something as seemingly mundane as newspaper delivery. As the newspaper industry has evolved, these types of nostalgic neighborhood groups have faded, but there remains an appreciation for the human connection that used to be part of the daily newspaper delivery experience.