Paul Hamilton, Sr. worked his way up from "printer's devil" to publisher of his community's weekly newspaper. Paul started working at the Record-Enterprise in Sidney, the fore-runner of the Tri-Town News, on a part time basis while still in high school. Following his graduation from the Sidney Central School in 1955 he went to work at the newspaper full time.
Paul worked with Ken Paden at the Tri-Town News for several years before forming a partnership with him to purchase Sidney Favorite Printing. The two businesses became one corporation, with Paul serving as president. During this time Paul was also a very active member of the Sidney Fire Department. His volunteer service with the fire department meant there were days when he would come to work with little or no sleep because he had been at a fire scene most of the night. However, Paul's efforts in making sure the newspaper served local needs never waivered.
Paul's 58 active years with the fire department started in 1957. He holds the highest honor ever bestowed on a Sidney fireman, life membership in both the MacDonald Hose Company and the Sidney Fire Department. He has held every office in the fire company, including that of captain twice, and worked his way up through the ranks to fire chief. Paul has also served as Fire Marshal and Delaware Co. Fire Investigator and has chaired numerous committees in both the company and department.
Paul's service to his community also included providing leadership for the village's recreation program. He would often put on a mask and chest protector to umpire, making sure the youngsters got to play baseball. He loved playing softball and basketball and bowling. Even after Lyme disease slowed him down he continued to play basketball with other fire department members. His interest in the young people also included his serving as Boy Scout leader for many years, even after his sons were no longer scouts.
A concern for the welfare of the community influ-enced Paul to first accept a position on the Town of Sidney Planning Board and then to serve as Town of Sidney Councilman during an especially difficult time when the town board was dealing with the closing of The Hospital. A concerned businessman, Paul was also a member of the Sidney Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and served a term as chamber president.
A debilitating stroke resulted in Paul's selling his interest in the print shop and retiring in 2006. While he has had to curtail some of his activities, today Paul is active at the Senior Meal site at the Sidney Civic Center. Always with the continued support of his wife, Patricia, Paul's interest in and concern for his hometown remains rock solid.