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The early muckrakers – collecting newspapers that dished the dirt…
April 9, 2011 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
The following is a guest post submitted by Edward Khoo:
People collecting old and rare newspapers will give you many different reasons for their
hobbies. For some it’s about owning a little piece of history, for others it’s a way of connecting
to important date in their life – say a birthday or marriage – to something real. For some it’s
just that wonderful sense of smell and touch you get from handling something that was meant
to be thrown away – fragile, disposable, but now wonderfully evocative.
But once you get past those initial reasons, many of us newspaper-collectors like to build our
collections around favorite themes, to give us a focus. And there’s a lot to choose from – you
can collect papers just from your local area, where a lot of the stories may have some real
relevance to the people still living in your town or county. Or you can collect on a particular
important news story, or historical theme – I know one guy who has collected editions only on
dramatic murder cases. Though maybe you should avoid that sort of collector, because you
don’t know where it’s going to lead!
For me, though, it’s the history of the newspaper journalism that fascinates me. It’s simply
amazing to be able to see how much has changed, in journalistic style, over the last 200
years – and how much has stayed the same! And the wonderful, and surprising, thing about
collecting rare and old newspapers is the fabulous state of preservation many of these copies
are still in.
You may expect that newspapers older than 50 years would just crumble in your hands –
but you’d be wrong. Although the newspapers we find when we lift the carpet are usually
yellowing and fragile – after just 10 or 20 years – back-in-the-day they made them very
differently. Most of the earlier 19th century papers were made from a type of linen, not paper,
which ages very well – so some very ancient newspapers can look almost pristine!
The period that I’m particularly interested in dates back to that century – those great
champions of newspaper journalism, who set the standard for the humbling of the powerful
– the ‘muckrakers’. That term was coined by a certain Theodore ‘Teddy’ Roosevelt, who
compared those who sought to expose ‘many grave evils’ in the ‘body politic’ to a character
from John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress : ‘Man with the Muck-rake, the man who could look no
way but downward, with the muck-rake in his hand.’
That, for me, is where journalism shines most bright – when its delving deep into the dirty
underbelly, and exposes it for all to see. We wouldn’t have a true democracy at all without
those guys. So where do you start, if you want to collect some of the finest examples of
exposé-journalism?
Well, one of my favorites is a woman who was a pioneer on several fronts – Nellie Bly. Not
only was she a journalist at a time when the fairer sex was frowned upon for doing anything
except being mothers, and supporting ‘their men’ – she also broke the record for going around
the world, beating Phileas Fogg. Her journalistic exploits were groundbreaking, so owning so
me the newspaper she printed in is to hold onto social history in the making.
She really made her name at Pulitzer’s New York World, with her undercover work in an
asylum. She actually managed to get herself committed, so as to show what really went on in
the mental institutions of the time. The paper had a big circulation, so picking up copies is notinsanely hard (excuse the pun). But some of her more interesting work was on the Pittsburgh Dispatch, on which she worked as a foreign correspondent in Mexico. These papers are rarer – so naturally more valuable.
Another principled muckrakers, on the west coast this time, was Fremont Older. He wrote for
first the San Francisco Bulletin, and then for William Hearst’s San Francisco Call, at the turn
of the last century. He had a knack for getting up the noses of local politicians, such as the
corruption machine of Abe Ruef, just after the San Fransisco quake. We could probably do
with more of his ilk on today’s San Francisco Examiner!
That’s the wonderful thing about this hobby. Whatever slice of real life you’re interested in, the
rags and hacks of the past will have covered it in one way or another. By collecting those thin
sheets of typeset from the past, you’re opening a window onto how the world has changed –
and yet is still very much the same.
Edward Khoo is a writer who is proud of his language and based in one of the exotic and
tropical islands of Malaysia.
Collecting Ideas: Charles Dickens…
April 4, 2011 by GuyHeilenman · 2 Comments
An area of collecting interest which continues to draw interest is collecting newspapers with Charles Dickens related content. Whether one’s passion is Harper’s Weekly Illustrated issues containing serialized versions of his writings, issues published by him directly
(All the Year Round & Household Words) , or newspapers with news concerning his travels and/or his thoughts on various topics, there certainly are a host of ways to enjoy this particular area of newspaper collectability.
Although not directly related to the hobby, we recently came across a post we thought our Dickens-collecting friends might enjoy: 15 Things You Never Knew About Dickens, by Emma Taylor. Feel free to share your Dickens knowledge with the collecting world via responses to this post.
Rare Newspapers… What to collect?
March 31, 2011 by GuyHeilenman · 1 Comment
There are an infinite number of ways to approach collecting rare newspapers. The History’s Newsstand Blog is pregnant with suggestions. Over the course of the next several months we will 
begin to explore the topic in earnest. For those who are new to the hobby, and are anxious to explore what has been written to-date, the following links are to help bring you up to speed:
Feel free to share your thoughts on ideas for collecting rare and early newspapers: themes, eras, topics, etc.
The “experts” don’t always get it right…
March 28, 2011 by GuyHeilenman · 2 Comments
We recently unearthed two different newspapers which scream the reality “the experts are often wrong”. The first report was an early review of “Gone With The Wind” which was not favorable (issue #580564). The 2nd was a statement concerning Babe Ruth which occurred soon after he was traded to The New York Yankees which questioned whether he would be an impact player (issue #581104). Interestingly enough, the opinion was given by Billy Evans, one of the most famous umpires (and member of the Hall of Fame) of all time. Feel free to comment on similar finding of your own. In the meantime, enjoy the reports:
Gone With The Wind…
Babe Ruth…
Entry point to the Rare Newspapers Collectible… 16th & 17th Centuries…
February 17, 2011 by GuyHeilenman · 2 Comments
Our peek at the lower-end entry points into the hobby of collecting rare and early newspapers draws to a conclusion today with a gander at inexpensive newspapers published prior to 1700. A list of titles priced at under $50 includes: The London Gazette, The Athenian Mercury, Votes of the House of Commons, The Observator, and The Weekly Pacquet of Advice From Rome, all of which are British publications.
The following link will take you to these potential pre-1700 entry-point issues: Pre-1700 Inexpensive Issues
Enjoy!
Note: View the following to explore the History’s Newsstand Blog’s featured posts on the upper end of the collectible: “Prices Realized” and “Most Collectible Issues“.
Entry point to the Rare Newspapers Collectible… 18th Century…
February 3, 2011 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
Over the past month the History’s Newsstand Blog has explored the lower-end entry points into the hobby of collecting rare and early newspapers. This next installment takes us back to the 18th century. The further we move back in time the higher (price-wise) is the entry point. One of the common ways to keep your early (into the hobby) 18th century collecting budget under control is to start by collecting newspapers/magazines from England. Typically, reports on American affairs found within British publications cost as little as 1/10 (and sometimes even less percentage-wise) than the corresponding reports in American issues. With this in mind…
The following selection provides a glimpse of the wide variety of 18th century issues available valued at $25* and under. Many more exist on the Rare Newspapers’ website, but others can be found throughout the collectible community as well. The item numbers for each are linked to corresponding images.
The oldest newspaper in the world…
120436 THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, dates ranging from 1726 to 1730 – This is the oldest continually published newspaper in the world, having begun in 1665 and is still being published today. Reporting is almost entirely concerned with Parliamentary items and European news with some advertisements near the back of the issue. $18.00*
From Pre-Revolutionary War England…
121059 THE ST. JAMES CHRONICLE; OR, THE BRITISH EVENING POST, London, England, 1767. Nice engraving in the masthead makes this a displayable issue. Various news of the day and a wealth of ads, from not long before the outbreak of the Revolutionary War. $18.00*
From Post-Revolutionary War England…
208968 THE GENERAL EVENING POST, London, 1792 A nice “typical” folio-size newspaper of 4 pages from the 18th century. There is a wealth of news of the day on the front page and inside pages with some ads scattered throughout as well. $18.00*
By the town critic…
121100 THE CONNOISSEUR, London, 1755. See the photo below for an example of this title from our archives. An uncommon and early title “By Mr. Town, Critic & Censor General” as noted in the masthead. Done in editorial format. $20.00*
From 18th century Scotland…
208447 THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, 1785. A nice 18th century Scottish newspaper with the entire front page taken up with ads, with various news of the day on the inside pages. Some of the ads have illustrations as well. Complete in 4 pages, partial red-inked tax stamp on the front page, folio size, some light browning or dirtiness, but in generally nice condition. $20.00*
Additional issues priced at $25* and under may be viewed at: Entry Level Newspapers
* All prices shown were valid as of the release date of this post.
View the following to explore the History’s Newsstand Blog’s featured posts on the upper end of the collectible: “Prices Realized” and “Most Collectible Issues“.
Entry point to the Rare Newspapers Collectible… 19th Century…
January 20, 2011 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
In the past the History’s Newsstand Blog has featured posts on the upper end of the collectible: “Prices Realized” and “Most Collectible Issues“. We are now taking a look at the other end of the spectrum – (low cost) entry points into the hobby. A few weeks ago we explored low cost issues from the 20th century. This post moves back in time to the 19th century.
The following selection provides a glimpse of the wide variety of 19th century issues available valued at $15* and under. Areas of interest include the War of 1812, religious-themed, youth-themed, snap-shots of 19th century city life, and more. Many more exist on the Rare Newspapers’ website, but others can be found throughout the collectible community as well. The item numbers for each are linked to corresponding images.
Introductory Issue from the 1800’s…
209016 An original issue from the 1800’s to help jump start your collection. This issue is guaranteed to be original, complete, and to be dated in the 1800’s. We do not offer reproductions of any kind! There is a limit of 10 issues per customer at this price. See the images for examples of the condition and look of the issue you will receive. The image shows several issues to give you a sense of the various titles/conditions you may receive, but please know this listing is for a single issue – at a great price. $3.00*
The War of 1812…
207496 COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, dated during the War of 1812. The issue you will receive is similar to the issues shown in the image – slight wear, minor staining and foxing, etc.. The issue will be dated from during the War of 1812, and will have war related news and news of the day. A great issue to own at an incredible price. $7.00*
From France…
153338 GALIGNANI’S MESSENGER, Paris, 1837. An interesting newspaper from France but printed in English, and featuring a black-inked tax stamp on an inside page. Various news of advertisements. Four pages, nice condition. Note: The policy/purpose of this title was to promote good feeling between England and France, and was highly regarded. $13.00*
19th century publication for youth…
152963 THE YOUTH’S LEDGER, New York, NY, 1887. “An interesting monthly for the Young” as is printed in the masthead. See the photo for an example of the “look” of this title from our archives. This is a nice issue to have from this location and period in history. Six pages approximately 16″x11″. $11.00*
Pittsburgh, PA… just before steel production…
153013 THE PITTSBURGH LEADER, Pittsburgh, PA, 1873. State, local and national news from this era. Interesting to have news of the day from just before steel production hit in full force. See the photo for an example of this title from our archives. Note that the photo is “generic” and the issue you get will not have these specific photos or be of this specific date but will have the format as shown. 21″x17″. Four pages and in nice condition. $15.00*
Exploring the influence of war on domestic Life…
153036 ADVOCATE OF PEACE, (Hartford, Connecticut), 1834. An interesting magazine which has war as its theme, and the value of peace as opposed to war. Note that the photo is “generic” and the issue you get will not have this specific date but will have the format as shown. Forty-six pages, measuring 9″x6″, disbound without outer wrappers. $11.00*
Additional issues priced at $15* and under may be viewed at: Entry Level Newspapers
* All prices shown were valid as of the release date of this post.
Entry point into the Rare Newspapers Collectible… 20th Century…
January 6, 2011 by GuyHeilenman · 2 Comments
In the past the History’s Newsstand Blog has featured posts on the upper end of the collectible: “Prices Realized” and “Most Collectible Issues“. To kick off the new year we thought it might be nice to look at the other end of the spectrum: “Entry Points to the Rare Newspapers Collectible”. Throughout this month we will target examples of the least expensive collectible newspapers available for each century.
Our journey begins with the 20th century…
The following selection provides a glimpse of the wide variety of issues available valued at $15* and under. Areas of interest include shipping, finance, theater, historic events, and more. Many more exist on the Rare Newspapers website, but others can be found throughout the collectible community as well. The item numbers for each are linked to corresponding images.
A World War II newspaper from the Navy Yard…
575571 BEACON, Philadelphia Navy Yard, 1944 A military paper produced at the Navy Yard with a great wealth of war-related content and a war-related masthead as well.
Eight pages, 10 1/2 by 16 pages, printed on high quality paper, nice condition. $9.00*
From the Panama Canal Zone…
579280 THE PANAMA CANAL RECORD, Balboa Heights, Canal Zone, 1928. A little magazine subtitled: “Official Publication of the Panama Canal” with a wealth of data concerning the canal and its use. Approximately twenty-six pages measuring 9″x6″. $12.00*
World War 1…
161488 OFFICIAL BULLETIN, Washington, DC, 1918. An unusual newspaper published daily by the “Committee on Public Information”, meant to keep the public informed of both political & military matters, particularly during the WWI period. Note that the photo is “generic” and the issue you get will be of a slightly different date but will have the format as shown. Sixteen pages measuring 12″x9″. Lightly browned with some minor edge tears. $10.00*
For the little child in all of us…
161498 THE YOUTH’S COMPANION, Boston, Massachusetts, 1900. A charming newspaper with several short stories for children, featuring several wonderful illustrations, an ornate masthead, and plenty of advertisements. $10.00*
In-house real estate periodical…
161495 STROUT’S BUGGY-SEAT CONFIDENCES, Boston, Massachusetts, 1911. A curious little publication by and for those working for the Strout real estate company, the “World’s Largest Farm Agency”. Printed on coated stock. $10.00*
Movie News! Burt Lancaster & Ava Gardner…
564394 MOTION PICTURE DAILY, from New York, dated September 28, 1956. Interesting little publication for and about the movie industry, giving the latest information on the various background events of the motion picture world. Television news as well. Too much to mention. 6 pages measuring 12″x9″, printed on coated stock paper. Nice shape. $10.00*
Additional issues priced at $15* and under may be viewed at: Entry Level Newspapers
* All prices shown were valid as of the release date of this post.
Mark Twain… on the Jews…
January 3, 2011 by GuyHeilenman · 2 Comments
We recently discovered an issue of Harper’s Monthly from September, 1899 which has a lengthy article by Mark Twain regarding Jews. While he is often viewed as America’s greatest writer, few are aware of his ongoing defense of minorities within the U.S., including Jews, Blacks, Native Americans, along with other minority groups. To kick off the new year on an upbeat, but challenging note, we invite you to view the text of “Concerning the Jews“, by Mark Twain. As we reflect on the 100+ years since this was written, it appears that many have heeded his words – a tribute to the melting pot potential of the citizens of the United States.
Happy New Year!
December 31, 2010 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
To: The Collectors and Friends of Rare & Early Newspapers…
Have a Happy New Year!
From: The Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers Staff