Hindman captures history with laminator

The following was originally published July 30, 2016.

Whenever a family member is mentioned or photographed in the paper, there is a sense of pride and astonishment. And we keep the paper for memories! Newspaper articles are often cut out and placed on the refrigerator, cubicle, and even framed.

Unfortunately, paper, especially that of newspaper material, doesn’t last forever. It rips, yellows, and fades. That’s why Rex Hindman laminates Saturday Shelby articles for local families.

Hindman owns a laminator and seals stories two to three days a week. He delivers the pieces to families of those mentioned in the weekly newspaper. He owns the laminator exclusively to laminate articles.

“So many things come up in the newspaper, pictures of people, and I always recognize somebody,” Hindman said. “Whether it’s obituaries, weddings, or gatherings of some sort.”

Hindman sees newspaper articles as bits of history. “If something happens, it’s gone tomorrow.”

From the years 1949-1951, Hindman was in the United States service and lived in Japan and Korea. While away, his parents cut out newspaper articles and pictures.

“Mom cut all these articles,” Hindman recalls. “When I came back from overseas in 1951, she gave me this big box.”

Although Hindman was amazed, he noticed wear and tear that the articles sustained over the years.

“(My parents) got them out and looked at them so many times, they were turning yellow,” Hindman said, “and I thought to myself, ‘this is history! I’ve got to preserve this stuff!’ (Laminating) helps preserve what is really important to people.”

Every Saturday, when Saturday Shelby is released, Hindman hurries over to Mickey’s T-Mart and The Bookmark to pick up copies to laminate. “I always feel guilty, like I’m robbing them!” Hindman said coyly.

Hindman described looking at laminated articles as going back in time and living the event over again. The ‘biggest kick’ he gets from delivering the articles is the smiles on people’s faces.

“I think it surprises them so much that they hardly say anything,” Hindman said. “They keep looking at it, walking back into their house. To me that’s… the best.”

In his free time, Hindman enjoys golfing and spending time with his wife, Bernice.

On behalf of Saturday Shelby, thank you for your kindness and generosity, Rex!