Jewish Deaf Business
by Rachael Braver
Harriet & Julius Wiggins
SILENT NEWS, INC. Publication 135 Gaither Drive, Suite F Mt. Carmel, NJ 08054-1710
E-MAIL: SilentNews@aol.com FAX:856/802-1979 TTY: 856/802-1978 VOICE: 856/802-1977
Harriet & Julius Wiggins
FOUNDERS
OF SILENT NEWS PUBLICATION
32 YEARS OLD
HOW,
WHEN AND WHY DID YOU START UP SILENT NEWS?
A: In the summer of 1968, when our three children's schools were
closed, the five of us took our five weeks to travel from the East to West
Coast. We stopped in Las Vegas, Nevada where my cousin resided. We stayed
for a few days. One night we walked thru well-lit downtown area. Julius
noticed the sign at the newstand of free samples of newspapers saying;
Why? How? When? What? It hit Julius' mind--he dreamed to set up a
newspaper for the Deaf.
After
that five weeks vacation, I called our 10 deaf friends to come to our
home. Julius explained to them about the deaf newspaper. They were very
interested in investing $250.00 each to become shareholders. A deaf
printer in New Jersey used the hot linotype method, and printed the first
issue. It said Silent News was born in January 1969. It cost 15 cents per
issue. One year subscription cost $1.80 for 8 pages. One year later the
tabloid changed to 11x17 from 8x11.
WHAT
OTHER AVENUES DID YOU TAKE TO FUND THE PROJECT?
A: In
1974, our attorney advised us to become a non-profit organization because
of the population we serve and to save on taxes, postage and to get
grants. Our daughter, Adele, was able to get funding for Silent News for 3
years from the Walter Schuman Foundation in New Jersey.
WHAT
WAS THE BIGGEST OBSTACLE TO TWO OF YOU FACED?
A: The biggest obstacle we had was the time it took to grow, which is
one of the reasons why Silent News became non-profit. We bought out the
shareholders in the early 1970's and from that time until we got funded
was the most difficult thing we had to put up with.
HOW
MANY PEOPLE SUBSCRIBE TO THE SILENT NEWS?
A: Currently, there are approximately 12,000 subscribers, which
include all 50 states and 27 foreign countries as well.
WHERE
ARE THE SILENT NEWS HEADQUARTERS?
A: Mt. Laurel, New Jersey
HOW
MANY PEOPLE ARE ON YOUR STAFF?
A: Seven Staff
DESCRIBE
THE VARIOUS FEATURES SILENT NEWS OFFERS
A: Each month, Silent News provides the Deaf and hard of hearing
community with the latest national and international news, information
about technology, ADA, health and sports, interesting features about Deaf
people who are successful and employment issues.
HOW
HAS THE BUSINESS EFFECTED YOUR FAMILY LIFE?
A: Silent News was a family effort from the beginning. Every member
was involved from working the addressograph machine, composing and typing
letters to sorting out zip codes. It was stressful at times.
WHAT
ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO PEOPLE INTERESTED IN STARTING A BUSINESS OF
THEIR OWN?
A: Follow your dreams
Never give up
Be persistent!!!
IF
YOU COULD ONLY USE ONE ADJECTIVE TO DESCRIBE THE FEELINGS OF THE VERY
FIRST ISSUE--WHAT WOULD IT BE?
A: Thrilling!!!