When Maurine Brunkhorst began work for the Southeast Missourian in 1953 as a typesetter, productivity was counted by the number of lines set per minute about seven.

With the explosion of technology over the past 40 years, Brunkhorst today counts the number of computer programs she uses.

Brunkhorst, 70, retired from the Southeast Missourian Friday after 37 years with the company, most working in the composition department, building advertisements.

She started working in the news department, typesetting news copy, both local and wire service stories.

Typing on a teletype machine, she couldn't see what she had typed and the stories came out in code on perforated tape, looking something like Braille. "We had to learn to read the code so we could make corrections," Brunkhorst said.

"They would put that tape on the linotype machine and it came out in hot metal, line by line," she said. "Someone had to place each of those lines by hand. If they had a bad day, sometimes the lines were upside down."

When the newspaper switched to computerized typesetting, Brunkhorst was given a choice to learn something new or leave the company.

"I figured if anyone in this room can do it, I can," she said, and stayed. "I typed on the first computer we had a great, monstrous thing."

Technology continues to change, but at an ever increasing rate, Brunkhorst said.

In the past year alone, Brunkhorst has learned four different computer programs.

But she said changes have served to create a better product.

"I think newspaper design is much improved today, both the news and the ads. There is more artwork and it sure does look better," she said.

Brunkhorst took three years off work in the early 1960s, "to see if I would like it." She missed work and has been back ever since.

"I've always loved it. I really like to work and I really like everyone I work with," she said.

Brunkhorst confided that she tried to quit a year ago, but couldn't do it. This time, she believes she is ready.

Brunkhorst looks forward to spending more time with her three children, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

She is also eager to begin traveling. "I've got my `go feather' and I'm going to go."