From its very beginning in 1909 when Fred Holmes hitched up his team and headed from Trenton, Texas to Paris, Texas to bring back a printing press in a wagon, the Trenton Tribune has been a family business dedicated to serving the community.

You can be sure the Tribune's first editor from 1909-1924, Dr. William Cox Holmes, his next-to-youngest son and newspaper co-founder Tom Hamilton Holmes, and Dr. Holmes's youngest son, Fred, would be proud to know that business plan centered on community service has worked for a century.

Oh, and that first press Fred brought back is still working, too.

In many ways, as it weaves a tapestry of news, notices, sports, births, weddings and deaths, the Tribune continues to be the fiber that connects people and families in this community.

Left to right, back row: Jill Holmes Winkler, Jo Nell Holmes, William Fred (Bill) Holmes, Jean Holmes, Sue Holmes Watkins and Tom Mc Holmes. Boys on bottom row are (left to right) Samuel Winkler and Seth Winkler.

One hundred years ago every town took it for granted that it would always have a local paper to depend on.  It isn't lost on the people in Trenton that this Holmes family tradition grows more special with every publication, as more small-town newspapers close their doors every week.

And the newest editor at the Tribune is quick to point out, this close-knit community has as much to do with the fact this town still has a successful local newspaper as the remarkable Holmes family legacy.

That newest editor's opinion carries a lot of weight, especially when you consider he went to work at the Tribune in 1945. 

Friends and supporters of the Trenton Tribune filled the office of this award-winning newspaper October 22, 2009 to celebrate the business's 100th birthday.

Surrounded by family and friends, Trenton Tribune editor Tom Mc Holmes, son of Tom Hamilton Holmes, humbly accepted the honors, some coming from as far away as the state capitol.

On behalf of Trenton Economic Development Corporation, JoAnn Duncan introduces State Representative Larry Phillips.

JoAnn Duncan welcomed the crowd to the Tribune office and introduced State Representative Larry Phillips, who came bearing Proclamations from Texas Gov. Rick Perry and the 81st Texas Legislature, as well as a flag that flew over the state capitol.

Phillips expressed his gratitude for the professional manner Holmes continues to maintain the obligations of the Fourth Estate.

Tom Mc Holmes expresses his appreciation to State Representative Larry Phillips.

Trenton City Councilman Gary Duncan presented Holmes and the Tribune with an impressive plaque that honors the family's continuous operation of the newspaper for a century.

In addition to Phillips and Duncan, some of the other elected officials attending the celebration included District Judge Lauri Blake, Fannin County Criminal District Attorney Richard Glaser and Judge Alan Hale.

Fannin County Historical Commission members Tom Thornton and Jacqueline White honored Holmes and the Tribune with a plaque noting the historical significance of the centennial celebration.

Trenton Postmaster Jackie Woodrick presented Holmes with a specially designed pictorial postmark that will be available for commemorative letter cancellations.

Trenton High School students were on hand to sing "Happy Birthday." 

In addition to being publisher and editor of the Tribune, Tom Mc Holmes is also an accomplished musician and a member of the Texas Western Swing Music Hall of Fame, so he grabbed his guitar for a couple of quick songs before guests enjoyed coffee and snacks.

Lewis Donaghey (left), CEO of First National Bank of Trenton, enjoys a little music by Tom Mc Holmes. Just as the Holmes family is a local icon in the publishing business, the Donaghey family is synonymous with finance. The Donaghey family helped found the First National Bank of Trenton in 1901.

Tom Mc Holmes addresses the crowd.

Local media turned out en force for this event. (l-r) Allen Rich, North Texas e-News; Kerry Craig, Leonard Graphic; Edward Southerland, Texoma Living; Don Eldridge, Herald-Democrat; Tom Mc Holmes, Trenton Tribune; Josh Stevenson, KXII-TV -- photo by Dave Hambrick

(l-r) Jill Holmes Winkler, Jo Nell Holmes, Fannin County Criminal District Attorney Richard Glaser, District Judge Lauri Blake, Tom Mc Holmes, State Representative Larry Phillips, Trenton City Councilman Gary Duncan and Judge Alan Hale. In front are Tom's grandsons, Samuel Winkler and Seth Winkler.

Tom Mc Holmes and Trenton City Councilman Gary Duncan

Tom Thornton holds a plaque from the Fannin County Historical Commission that was presented to Tom Mc Holmes and the Trenton Tribune.

Trenton High School students make a presentation.

Jodie Myrick is one of the valuable contributors to the Trenton Tribune.

Tom Mc Holmes shares a laugh with KXII reporter Josh Stevenson.

Trenton Postmaster Jackie Woodrick makes a presentation to Tom.

JoAnn Duncan and Tom Mc Holmes show the crowd a plaque from the City of Trenton.

Herald-Democrat managing editor Don Eldridge, Texoma Living writer Edward Southerland and Trenton Tribune publisher/editor Tom Mc Holmes

Tom Mc Holmes stands in front of the building where the Trenton Tribune has been located since 1912.