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Former Oxford Press editor recalled for love of community

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By Bob Ratterman, Staff Writer Updated 5:03 PM Thursday, May 21, 2009

Bob White, the editor/publisher of The Oxford Press for nearly 30 years died today, Thursday, May 21, at The Knolls of Oxford extended care facility, where he had been living for several months following a fall in which he broke his hip Feb. 14.

Robert E. White Jr., 87, was known not only as editor of the weekly newspaper but also as a theatre reviewer and a keeper of local and regional history.

As the only son of Robert Emmett and Irene (Foster) White, he was born Dec. 3, 1921 and attended elementary school in Norwood, until the family moved to Montgomery, where he graduated from Sycamore high school.

He received the bachelor of science in education degree from Miami University in 1944 and the master of arts in 1948. He spent part of a year in New York City trying out for stage productions for dance roles and returned to Oxford and graduate school, opening a dance studio in Uptown Oxford. He taught English and was advisor for dramatics and the school newspaper and yearbook at West Elkton High School in 1945-46 and then taught English for several years at Miami University.

In 1948, however, he began what was to become a life-long career with the Oxford Press, as writer and photographer under ownership of the late Avis Cullen. He was joined by his father and the late A. Richard Taylor in forming The Oxford Press Inc. and purchasing the paper in 1960.

The elder Robert White was a business partner but operations fell to Bob White, as editor and publisher, and Taylor, as business manager.

In later years, Avis Cullen, recalled his role with the paper in those years of her ownership.

“During my publication of the Oxford Press, Bob White was responsible for much of the honor the paper received for general excellence and community service,” she said. “In his love of the arts he served as a critic in residence. His obituaries were beautiful. I always felt it a shame that the subjects didn’t get to read them.”

Mr. White was well-known in the area theater community, making the rounds of the Cincinnati theater programs, reviewing productions well after his retirement in 1989.

The Oxford Press was sold to Thomson Newspapers in 1989 and Mr. White and Mr. Taylor retired.

Mr. White was well-known in Oxford, blending his love of the community with his coverage for the newspaper. He was known for his sense of humor, which included a love of puns, and he enjoyed reciting short childhood poems for co-workers.

He wrote a column which ran for 41 years on the editorial page of The Oxford Press. The column name, “Beneath the Tower,” was a reference to the water tower which had stood in Uptown Oxford since the early 1920s.

His annual “Towerrhyme” column in the paper before Christmas every year was eagerly awaited by Oxford residents as it included many local names and references to events of the past year, all done in rhyme with many puns sprinkled throughout. He would begin working on the piece a month or more ahead each year, scribbling notes about events and names and words he could use to rhyme with them.

He often joked that once he started the Towerrhyme, he would continue rhyming for weeks after it was published.

Mrs. Cullen had also commented on the column, saying, “His ‘Beneath the Tower’ Christmas poems were greatly appreciated and enjoyed. I have marveled at how he was able to get to so many shows and events and see so many people on a regular basis. Community service was a major goal of the Oxford Press.”

The Miami Alumni Association honored Mr. White with its Bishop Medal, in recognition of Community Service.

Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, at Smith & Ogle Funeral Home, Oxford, with a service at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 27, in the Sesquicentennial Chapel of Miami University. There will be a reception following that in the auditorium at The Knolls of Oxford.

Contributions in his name may be made to the Oxford Cemetery Association or a charity of one’s choice.

Contact this reporter at (513) 523-4139 or bratterman@coxohio.com.

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Bob was always the quintessential gentleman. A kind soul and a lovely man. Would that more were of his spirit. He will be missed.

Sunny Baker
4:46 PM, 10/8/2009

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I had the pleasure of dancing with Bob White at a party. He was a gifted talented dancer. He led me on the floor and made me a better dancer. I will never forget watching Bob and Rose Kilday dance the tango at a community theater--it was poetry in motion.

margo sacco
1:36 PM, 9/26/2009

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For some reason tonight, I thought of Bob. My first thought was that he had passed. I'm sad to find I was right. Bob was a regular at DiPaolo's where I worked during school. I remember Bob sitting with my old, dear friends, Irma Sandage and Dave Toohey on many a night regaling us bartenders with many a merry tale of old Oxford. Sadly - they have all passed. None of them will ever be forgotten by me. Oxford is less for their losses. Love to all three of you fun old birds. Patrick

Patrick Flick
12:31 AM, 8/9/2009

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I regret that I only belatedly learned of Bob's death. I was always so impressed with the longevity of his love and dedication to theater. It is amazing that Bob's career as a critic in Oxford, OH, spanned my entire 39 years as critic for the Cincinnati Post. Now, that's what I call a career. Bless you, Bob.

Jerry Stein
4:00 PM, 6/5/2009

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I can't honestly remember a time in my life without Bob White. Theatre, High School, College, Reunions (even just last year we met up for a drink when I ventured home). Amazing how one man can touch so much. I will miss him, his wit, intelligence, and love very much. A tear and a smile indeed.

Elissa Rosenberg
12:43 AM, 5/23/2009

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