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Most historic: Pre-Revolutionary War…
March 16, 2009 by TimHughes · 3 Comments
As our last discussion point on the most historic event to have in an early American newspaper collection we’ll consider the pre-Revolutionary War era.
What a period of time, from the mid-1600’s thru 1775. Keep in mind that the only newspapers to be had with American content thru 1704 would be British, most likely limited to the Oxford/London Gazette. The “Boston News-Letter” as America’s first successful newspaper began in 1704 but it can be exceedingly difficult to find any American newspaper prior to 1730. In any case let’s consider the event & not the rarity of the newspaper itself. Remember, we’re dreaming here anyway.
Dig out your history books and give thought to what single historic event in American history from this period you would like to have in your newspaper collection.
Source: The Smithsonian
Much of the late 17th century was dealing with settling the “New World” and territorial issues not just with the Native Americans but the various European countries, all trying to establish a foothold, and increasing it at that. The early 18th century saw the creation of colonial governments and continuing territorial problems, leading to the French & Indian War, which in itself created financial problems in England which led to greater taxation in America to pay for related expenses. Of course the colonists were not keen on tightening controls and increased taxation levied by a government 3000 miles away and before long there was a revolution.
My choice would be the “Pennsylvania Journal & Weekly Advertiser” issue of Oct. 31, 1765. Known as the “tombstone edition” because of the great graphics, it signaled the beginning of the Stamp Act in America, the most hated of the taxes up to that point, only to be following by more from Great Britain. The Stamp Act was the catalyst for a disintegrating relationship with the mother country. This newspaper (see photo) is both visually dramatic and historically significant in presaging the biggest event in 18th century America history.
What’s your thought?
Words of wisdom…
March 14, 2009 by TimHughes · Leave a Comment
“Harper’s Weekly” of Dec. 5, 1857 has a small item:
“Dr. Stone, of New Orleans, speaking of yellow fever, says–‘The fever has a certain course to run. Keep the patient from dying, and he’ll get well.’ There’s wisdom for you.”
Newspapers are not the only place to find buried treasure…
March 13, 2009 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
During the past several months we have enjoyed exploring the hidden gems often found within rare and historic newspapers. One of our friends drew our attention to another recently discovered treasure which relates to our beloved historic collectible, specifically, the Revolutionary War era. There appears to be a new finding involving Bunker Hill in Boston, as reported by the Boston Globe:
Bunker Hill dead may lie under gardens… (read more)
A related graphic may be found at: http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/03/08/history_of_the_remains/.
Although history may never be more facinationg than when it’s read from the day it was 1st reported, current discoveries certainly add depth to our walk through the past.
Note: If you’ve never taken a Walking Tour of Historic Boston, it is worthy of your time. The next time your in the Boston area, this tour is a must.
Most historic: The Declaration of Independence in your collection…
March 12, 2009 by TimHughes · 8 Comments
I’m not sure there is much of a contest for the “most historic event of the Revolutionary War”. Can anyone make a case for anything beyond the Declaration of Independence? We’d all love to hear from you if so.
My experience is that this document is the most desired to have in an American newspaper, not just from this era but from the entire spectrum of American history. Well, an exception might be an issue of “Public Occurrences Both Foreign and Domestic“, the Sept. 25, 1690 newspaper printed in Boston which lasted but one day and of which only one copy is known to exist. I’d trade that remarkable find for a Declaration of Independence, but nothing else.
A year or so ago I was aware of a Philadelphia newspaper containing the Declaration of Independence which brought over $400,000 in auction. So much for the average collector adding an American printing to their collection, which is why interest has been heightened in British periodicals with the document.
And it did appear in at least several British magazines and newspapers. The popular “Gentleman’s Magazine” from London carried it in their August, 1776 issue as did the “Universal Magazine” and the “London Magazine“. The “Gentleman’s & London Magazine” carried the historic text in their September issue (note: the only American magazine in print in 1776, the “Pennsylvania Magazine”, carried the Declaration text in their July issue).
It’s curious that the “London Gazette” newspaper never printed the Declaration, likely for political reasons, but it did appear in the “London Chronicle” of August 17 as well as the “Edinburgh Evening Courant” issue of August 21. I suspect we’ve sold other British periodicals containing the Declaration through the years but their titles & dates escape me.
With American imprints containing the Declaration likely to remain out of reach for most collectors–but we always hope for that magical find–I would encourage consideration of printings in other periodicals. British titles are the best as there is no language barrier and they are from a country which had, should we say, a vested interest in the event. And their prices are still within the range of many collectors. The “Gentleman’s Magazine” printing are typically under $4000 when in inventory and the “London Chronicle” is still in four figures. I suspect French, Dutch or German printings would have less interest to the average collector, although their prices would be lower when they become available.
The key for any nice newspaper collection is having a period printing, meaning a report from the time it happened. A printing of the Declaration in 1799 or 1826 just wouldn’t have the collector appeal of a July, August, or even September printing from 1776.
How desirable is owning a period printing of the Declaration of Independence to you, and what date, title, or condition compromises are you willing to make to add such an issue to your collection?
Meet the staff: Guy Heilenman, our President…
March 9, 2009 by TimHughes · 4 Comments
After many years of teaching in the Lancaster, Penna. area, Guy was in search of a new professional challenge. Timing was great for both Guy and “Hughes Rare Newspapers” as he found his way to Williamsport and his challenge was found.
Guy is the President of our 33 year-old rare newspaper company and has brought with him an enthusiastic attitude and many fresh and exciting ideas to carry our business into the 21st century.
Any who have spoken with him cannot help but impressed with his polite, caring personality. Cultivating customer loyalty and maintaining the integrity of the business are foremost among his duties, while developing additional channels for selling and marketing newspapers challenge his creative side. Guy is a great fit for our unique business and the many progressive changes initiated in recent years are due to his efforts.
It was six years ago that Guy moved his family to Williamsport. Along with his wife Laura, they have six children—Eve, Joshua, Rebekah, Sarah, Hannah & Rachel–aged 7 thru 18, so to call him a family man is an understatement. Despite the workload and extra hours the business requires it is rare that Guy does not have his family off on a weekend adventure in this scenic part of Pennsylvania. During the summer months camping is a favorite activity, but we who stay home cringe when he schedules an outings because we know it will be rainy, windy, or cold—or likely all three.
Several of his older children are part-time employees of our newspaper business, handling much of the background and photography work which is so important to our success. They are always a pleasure to have among us.
While not attending to business and family priorities Guy is very much involved in his church community. His faith is a central focus of not only his life but that of his entire extended family. It is with this foundation that his personality of caring and concern permeates all that he does and, most certainly, is evident to our customers who have dealt with him.
Guy and his family are a pleasure to have with us. Be sure to say “hello” to Guy the next time you give us a call. Both you and he will be glad you did.
Which was more useful?…
March 7, 2009 by TimHughes · Leave a Comment
The “Morning Post and Daily Advertiser” newspaper of London, Dec. 4, 1792, has a report:
“A man in the county of Hereford advertises a Mare that has strayed, for which he offers a reward of Five Guineas. In the subsequent advertisement he advertises the elopement of his Wife, for the discovery of whom, he offers a reward of Five Shillings!”
The first newspaper printed in Hawaii…
March 5, 2009 by TimHughes · Leave a Comment
As was typical with the first newspaper publishing efforts in states and territories, the very first newspaper in Hawaii didn’t have great success. The SANDWICH ISLAND GAZETTE, published its first issue on July 30, 1836 and only lasted until 1839. Shortly after its demise came the SANDWICH ISLAND MIRROR & COMMERCIAL GAZETTE which lasted for less than a year. Although bearing a different name and issued monthly instead of weekly, it was essentially a continuation of the GAZETTE.
Early printing in the Hawaiian Islands were by missionaries, and the SANDWICH ISLAND GAZETTE was no exception. Some of the content has religious overtones, however there is much secular reporting and advertisements as well.
We are pleased to share with out collectors our July 8, 1837 issue of the SANDWICH ISLAND GAZETTE, the volume 1, number 50 issue. Newspapers from Hawaii in the 1830’s are virtually unheard of in the collector market today.
Enjoy.
Contest: “In Search for the Unusual and Bizarre”…
March 2, 2009 by GuyHeilenman · 13 Comments
Back by popular demand… A History’s Newsstand Blog contest…
“In Search for the Unusual and Bizarre”
Have you ever discovered an unusual or bizarre report while perusing a rare and early newspaper? If so, our members would love to hear about it. From March 2nd through March 9th we will be accepting your contributions/discoveries. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes will be offered for the most unusual/bizarre postings. To enter the contest simply find your most bizarre report and enter it as a comment to this post. Only one entry may be submitted per person. Please include the title and date of the issue along with the report (or a summary of the report if it is long).
How will the winners be determined? Anyone may “vote” on their favorite choice starting March 10th – only one vote per person please. To vote, submit your selection by e-mail to guy@rarenewspapers.com. Choices must be made by the end of the day on 3/13/2009. Each Rare Newspapers’ staff member will also have one vote. The winners will be announced through the blog and by personal e-mail sometime during the week of 3/16/2009.
What will the winner receive? Winners will have their stories recognized on the blog, will receive a Rare Newspapers gift certificate worth $100 (1st place), $50 (2nd place), and $25 (3rd place), and will have the satisfaction of knowing they contributed to the enhancement of the rare newspapers collectible community.
You may want to view some of our own unusual/bizarre discoveries to help get you started. These are not eligible for the contest. They may be viewed at: https://blog.rarenewspapers.com/?cat=116
Please don’t hesitate. Share your bizarre or unusual report with the world!
Humorous content: Patience, my dear…
February 28, 2009 by TimHughes · Leave a Comment
A brief bit in the “Ocean Chronicle” newspaper of February 14, 1887 reads:
” ‘My dear’, said a young wife to her husband, ‘you have never taken me to the cemetery yet!’ ‘No, my love,’ he replied: ‘that is a pleasure I have yet in anticipation.’ “
No comments necessary. 🙂
Rare newspaper collector’s inspiring story…
February 26, 2009 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
Over the years we have had the opportunity to establish relationships with many wonderful people within the rare newspapers community. On occasion, we are blessed to hear about the story behind the voice on the other end of the phone. One such person is Robert (Bob) Cassidy, of Pekin, Illinois. He is one of those individuals whom always has something positive to say, and who manages to make everyone he speaks with feel important. What a gift. This gift is especailly noteworthy considering the health issues he must hurdle in order to communicate. It is obvious he is a man of strong character, and of even stronger faith. It is the combination of both traits which provide the backdrop for… his story:
Disease inspires man to paint…
(Source: The Journal Star by Elise Zwicky)
“For some, a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease might end an art career; for Bob Cassidy, it was the catalyst for getting started. ‘God, in his infinite wisdom, gave me Parkinson’s to see if I still had a sense of humor. And I did, thank God,’ said the 73-year-old retired speech specialist. Cassidy is planning an open house at the end of February or early March at his new art studio…” (read more)
Thanks Bob. You are an inspiration to us all.