The impact of Newspapers on the abolition of slavery…

August 4, 2023 by · Leave a Comment 

The impact print media in general, and newspapers in particular had on attitudes towards slavery cannot be overstated. The abolitionist press was in full-force during the early-to-mid 1800’s with publications such as The Anti-Slavery Bugle, The Emancipator, the National Anti-Slavery Standard, the National Era (which had the honor of being the first to print Harriet Beecher Stowe’s “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”), among those who carried the torch. While some publishers became household names during this critical period in American history (William Lloyd Garrison – publisher of The Liberator), Frederick Douglass – publisher of the North Star [later, the Frederick Douglass’ Paper], and Horace Greeley – publisher of the New York Tribune), a slew of others, while highly influential, have largely been forgotten. One such unheralded publisher was Hezekiah Niles’, the publisher of the Niles’ Register from Baltimore, Maryland. While Niles’ Register would not be placed under the umbrella of The Abolitionist Press, not wearing this label coupled with its heavy focus on political issues may have played to his advantage when Hezekiah wrote and published his “Mitigation of Slavery” in serialized form over a span of 8 issues in 1819. It may not have had an Uncle-Tom’s-Cabin-level impact among the masses, there is little doubt the minds of many in-and-around Washington D.C. were challenged to keep the abolishment of slavery at the forefront of both political and public discourse. The full text of his essay can be read on-line, however, photo-snippets of portions of an original as well as a brief description may be viewed on the Rare Newspapers website: Hezekiah Niles’ “Mitigation of Slavery“. His final thoughts are shown below.

 

Horrace Greeley, Fred Douglass, Harriet Beecher Stowe… Hezekiah Niles…

June Newsletter from Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers…

June 16, 2023 by · Leave a Comment 

Welcome to the June, 2023 edition of our monthly newsletter. This month the focus is on the History’s Newsstand blog, an eclectic array of names found within the list of newly discounted items, and an expanded list of bonus catalog items – to include an additional 20+ issues added within the past few days. We hope you enjoy.

Recent Posts on the History’s Newsstand Blog

The reason I (Tim Hughes) collected it:

Predicting the 21st century from a perch in 1929…

Einstein… Smarter than a 5th grader?

From the Vault – What is the best way to preserve & store newspapers?

Video Highlights from Catalog 331 (June, 2023)…

Dramatic Headlines Speak for Themselves… WWII – Attack on Los Angeles…

Snapshot 1960… From Small Beginnings (Jesse Jackson)…

This Month’s Set of Discounted Newspapers – 50% Off

This month’s set of discounted issues features mentions of an eclectic array of names, a sampling which includes: Al Capone, Charles Cornwallis, George Washington (and another mentioning his mother), Ted Williams, George Patton, Woody & Buzz, Henry Fonda, Samuel Fraunces, John Hancock, John Dillinger, Jack McGurn, Clark Gable & Vivien Leigh, John Barrymore, Ivar Kreuger, Winston Churchill and more. The issues may be viewed at:

Discounted Newspapers – 50% Off

New Items Added to Catalog 331

Since Catalog 331 went to print we’ve added over 40 additional issues including 20+ within the past few days. The entire list of new items, which can only be viewed on-line, are at:

Catalog 331’s “New Items”

Catalog 331 (in case you missed it):

The entire Catalog

Key Issues from Catalog 331

Catalog 331 (in “quick scan” format)

Catalog 331 – Priced under $50

Highlight Video – Catalog 331

As always, thanks for collecting with us!
Sincerely,
Guy Heilenman & The Rare & Early Newspapers Team
570-326-1045

The April (2023) Newsletter from Rare & Early Newspapers…

April 15, 2023 by · Leave a Comment 

Monthly Newsletter ~ Rare & Early Newspapers

Welcome to the April Newsletter from Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers. This month we are featuring an additional 100+ items added to our previous offering of discounted issues (at 50% off), another two-dozen issues added within the past few days to the online version of our April catalog, a video showing highlights from Catalog #329, a request regarding future posts for the History’s Newsstand blog, and links to a handful of our most recent blog posts.. Please enjoy.

Catalog 329 – Newly Added

(24 more added just this week)

Catalog 329 – Complete List

(great issues still available)

Video Showing Highlights from Catalog 329

(watch video)

Newly Discounted Issues (over 300 at 50% off)

(100+ added to last month’s set)

We’re Looking for Ideas

If you have any ideas for topics related to the hobby of collecting Rare & Early Newspapers that you would either like us to have covered for yourself, or if you can think of a hobby-related topic you think might be helpful to collectors in general (including newcomers to the hobby), please send us your ideas to me at guy@rarenewspapers.com. Include whether or not it would be ok to give you credit for the suggestion if we use it. Thanks!

Recent Posts to the History’s Newsstand Blog

From the Vault: Best of the 20th century?

Snapshot 1665 – The Oldest Continuously Published Newspaper is Born…

Dramatic Headlines Speak for Themselves… The Assassination of JFK…

Finding little gems within volumes of old newspapers (updated)…

The State of the Union… Did you know…?

 

We thoroughly enjoy historic newspapers and greatly appreciate those who have a similar passion. Thanks for collecting with us!

Sincerely,

Guy Heilenman & The Rare & Early Newspapers Team
RareNewspapers.com
570-326-1045

Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers . . .
           . . . History’s Newsstand
“…desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things.” Hebrews 13:18b

Reflection: George Washington’s Birthday…

February 20, 2023 by · Leave a Comment 

My five siblings and I grew up on the “wrong side of the tracks”. There really were tracks… and refineries which lit up the night sky… and rodents running around the neighborhood… and other creepy-crawly things which kept us awake at night. We had little money, but our lives were full, and our parent’s efforts to indulge us on a shoestring (when they could afford them) budget were always met with enthusiasm and thankful hearts. Holidays were the best – always soliciting a high degree of anticipation, for our dad would never fail to bring home a special treat to celebrate the occasion. My personal favorite was Washington’s Birthday – the holiday where I discovered the joys of dark chocolate and sweet cherries – the former birthed by “silver coins” to celebrate his amazing talent of throwing silver dollars across the Potomac River, and the latter through delightful chocolate covered cherries which reminded us to never lie – especially about chopping down trees. I didn’t know much about Washington other than him being our first President, but one thing I knew for certain, he must have been pretty awesome – a truth confirmed with jubilance by my tastebuds.

While I embrace the profound value we all have as a result of being made in God’s image, and appreciate the contribution each president has made to this great nation, I was sad to see Washington’s Birthday downgraded to an “all inclusive/generic” holiday. As one of my favorite authors (David McCullough) once said: “If everyone is special, then no one is. If everyone gets a trophy, trophies become meaningless.”

As time went on and I became a bit more educated, I accepted the reality that Washington didn’t actually chop down a cherry tree (let alone own up to doing so); and, while I’m still a bit uncertain, the realization that he likely found better use for silver dollars settled in.

Still, these annual mini-celebrations, flawed as they were, helped awaken my appreciation for our “Founding Parents” in general, and for George Washington in particular. Is everything I learned about him accurate? Of course not. However, one thing I know for sure, the populace cried deep tears of sorrow when their beloved leader, to the amazement of the world, voluntarily steps aside so “We The People” could select their choice for the next to hold the reigns. Is his birthday still worth celebrating? Maybe so, or maybe not, but as for me, I’m picking up some chocolate covered cherries on the way home today.

In honor of this great leader, the pre-resignation announcement as it appeared in The Supplement To The Federal Gazette dated September 20, 1796, is shown below. A truly historic moment!

The January (2023) Newsletter from Rare & Early Newspapers…

January 20, 2023 by · Leave a Comment 

Monthly Newsletter ~ Rare & Early Newspapers

Welcome to the first newsletter for 2023. Shown below are links to items added to the January catalog after it went to print, recent posts on the History’s Newsstand Blog, a new set of Discounted Newspapers (50% off), and in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy, a link to issues containing slavery-themed articles and/or ads. Please enjoy.

A new set of issues have been reduced in price by 50% through February 16th. To view all discounted issues (priced as shown), go to:

Discounted Newspapers

Since the release of our most recent catalog, we have added a host of new items which did not appear within the hard-copy version. These “bonus” items may be viewed at:

Newly Added Catalog Items

All remaining items from January’s catalog may be viewed at:

Catalog 326

History’s Newsstand Blog – A selection of some of the recent posts on our History’s Newsstand Blog are:

From Dreams to Reality… Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Paves the Way…

WNEP TV turns the spotlight on Rare & Early Newspapers…

Scientific American’s “Not So Bright” (?) Ideas…

Snapshot 1982… A “Feel Good” Story to Kick-Off the New Year…

Harper’s Weekly… A Journal of Civilization…

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy, this month we are featuring newspapers containing slavery-themed ads and/or articles. They may be viewed at:

“Lest We Forget” – Slavery-Themed Content

We thoroughly enjoy historic newspapers and greatly appreciate those who have a similar passion. Thanks for collecting with us!

Sincerely,

Guy Heilenman & The Rare & Early Newspapers Team
RareNewspapers.com
570-326-1045

Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers . . .
           . . . History’s Newsstand
“…desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things.” Hebrews 13:18b

Printed History: Collecting 3.5M rare newspapers in Central Pa.

December 12, 2022 by · Leave a Comment 

Approximately 2 months ago The Williamsport Sun-Gazette (PA) wrote an article about a presentation Tim Hughes gave a local historical society. As a follow-up, Joseph W. Smith III, a writer, speaker and teacher in Central PA, wrote an article about Tim’s trek through the hobby. If you ever wondered about “the story” behind “Rare & Early Newspapers“, or were considering jumping in yourself, this could be a great place to begin your adventure. The article may be viewed at:

Printed History: Collecting 3.5M rare newspapers in Central Pa

Timothy Hughes – sharing his passion for collecting historical newspapers…

October 10, 2022 by · Leave a Comment 

Tim Hughes has had multiple opportunities to speak about his love for Rare & Early Newspapers. Whether it has been in front of teenagers in Pennsylvania or adults in California, it is especially rewarding when he shares his hobby to those from his own town. He recently had the privilege to do so at the local historical society (Thomas T. Taber Museum) in Williamsport, PA, which was reported in the Williamsport Sun-Gazette. Please enjoy:

The End of an Era at Rare & Early Newspapers… Thanks Mike!

September 29, 2022 by · 3 Comments 

For nearly 20 years we were blessed to have Mike Hiller as an “active member” of our Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers family. His sense of humor delighted us daily, his attention to detail was second-to-none, and his work ethic and commitment to excellence were an inspiration to all who had the privilege of working with him. If you purchased a newspaper from us during his reign as “Warehouse Supervisor and Shipping Extraordinaire” you likely had a chance to see his handiwork. While he certainly made all of our lives easier, his greatest contribution was in his unofficial capacity as “Exemplary Role Model of Guy and Laura’s Children” – a task he took quite seriously. The top photo is of Mike taken on his last day of work, and the one shown below is of him with each of our kiddos – all who benefited from his example (he’s the one in the middle).

Mike,

We pray you and your wife will thoroughly enjoy this next chapter of your lives – the so-called “retired phase”. Thank you for being you.

With love and respect,

Guy & Laura Heilenman

Although we are saddened to see this era come to an end, we are grateful Mike has agreed to accept a new position: “Occasional ‘Special Projects’ Guru”. The Rare & Early Newspaper’s world is not ready to cut the ties that bind.

Journalism from Early America to the Digital Age… Election Fraud and more…

June 10, 2022 by · Leave a Comment 

Someone recently brought to my attention an article posted on the website “Brewminate: A Bold Blend of News and Ideas”. While scanning the article I was intrigued by the presence of illustrations of newspapers we have or have previously offered. One in particular which caught my attention was the timely political cartoon by Thomas Nast found in the Oct. 7, 1871 issue of Harper’s Weekly. While a degree of election fraud is (unfortunately) part-and-parcel of the election process, I was inspired to read through the entire article, and in so doing, found it to be quite informative… and wondered if the friends of Rare & Early Newspapers might also find it interesting. Hopefully you will also enjoy reading it:

“Journalism from Early America to the Digital Age”

 

Memorial Day – How many generations does it take to… (?)

May 27, 2022 by · Leave a Comment 

Generation 1 – The Call to Sacrifice

The oppressed are willing to sacrifice their very lives to throw off oppression – and many of them do, giving their last breath for the sake of their children and their children’s children.

Generation 2 – Picking Up the Pieces

Those recently freed from oppression begin to reap the rewards of their new freedom, but many scars remain – particularly those caused by the loss of loved ones.

Generation 3 – Enjoying Freedom’s Bounty

The sacrifices of the past are still discussed, but the wounds are largely well-healed, and the benefits born of the sacrifice of others is fully embraced.

 

[an unspecified number of generations – usually not many]

 

Generation End (Minus 2) – Freedom Is & Always Will Be

Freedom is so commonplace, it begins to be taken for granted. The oppression and sacrifices of the past are long forgotten.

Generation End (Minus 1) – Heads in The Sand

Freedom, is it really all that important? Comfort and ease is what we want. Sacrifice? For what! A blind eye is turned to the new oppressors at the gate.

Generation End – The Demise!

Where did our freedom go? Why are we being oppressed?? How did this happen???

 

Memory – it’s indispensable. A simple internet search for “lest we forget”, “those who fail to remember”, or similar will return a plethora of warnings about the consequences which go hand-in-hand with not remembering the lessons, sacrifices, blessings, etc. of the past.

As an example, it would be hard to argue that the Jews/Israelites, through time, have been one of the most oppressed people-groups on the planet – a chain of horror which began with their enslavement in Egypt. One would have thought their eventual “deliverance” by the hand of God would have set them up for eternity, yet, just a few generations after their new-found freedom was realized, they found themselves enslaved once again. Why? “The Israelites failed to remember the LORD their God who had delivered them from the hands of all their enemies on every side (Judges 8:34).”

While each generation needs to take personal responsibility for “remembering”, one cannot remember that which one never knew. Therefore, we, as the current generation, must take ownership of teaching ourselves, keeping what we learn in the forefront of our minds, and then teaching the next generation – lest they never know.  Will this take considerable effort? Sure, but the sacrifice of time and energy pales in comparison to the sacrifices of the past.

To this end, perhaps the following will be useful:

Previous Memorial Day Themed Posts

Memorial Day Themed Newspapers

PS  I am grateful for the men and women who have given their lives so my family, friends, and neighbors, whether we be politically or philosophically divergent or parallel, can enjoy the freedoms which fall under the umbrella of “inalienable Rights which are endowed to each one of us by our Creator”.

 

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