Ben Franklin – a Man of Endless Talents…

December 18, 2023 by · Leave a Comment 

Perhaps it is the nerdy math-loving side of me that was recently drawn to a Gentleman’s Magazine for July 1768. Years ago, I remember listening to my kids read a book from the “Step into Reading” series: “Ben Franklin and the Magic Squares”. Although this Gentleman’s Magazine lacks the colorful images of a child’s early reader, it is no less fascinating to read about a wonderful mathematical discovery of one of our country’s most brilliant & diverse minds. This gem (the plate within this London publication) would appeal to any Franklin fan or science nerd… at least it jumped out and grabbed me.

Contest: “In Search for the Unusual and Bizarre”…

March 2, 2009 by · 13 Comments 

gold_nuggetsBack 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).

prospectorHow 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:  http://blog.rarenewspapers.com/?cat=116

Please don’t hesitate.  Share your bizarre or unusual report with the world!