Spinning the Yarn: The Power of Newspapers as Primary Sources…

June 21, 2026 by · Leave a Comment 

A collecting friend of ours has published a newspapers-tethered book that might interest many of you. The following summary is provided in case you’d like to take a look:

Spinning the Yarn—written by author Paul M. Bohannon—offers a compelling and original contribution to early baseball history, grounded firmly in the rich evidentiary value of historic newspapers. Drawing extensively from period sources such as Porter’s Spirit of the Times and the Sunday Mercury, the book highlights how contemporary reporting captured not just the scores of early games, but the culture, personalities, and pivotal moments that shaped the sport.

One of the book’s most intriguing revelations centers on an 1855 dinner hosted by Samuel Godwin, president of Brooklyn’s Putnam Base Ball Club. This gathering—held after a decisive victory—brought together players, dignitaries, and crucially, newspaper representatives. As documented in these early publications, the evening marked a turning point: an intentional and strategic outreach to the press that helped ignite sustained baseball coverage. The following year’s reports, including detailed accounts of the Putnam Club’s contests, reveal the emergence of a narrative style that would evolve into modern sports writing.

We extend our thanks (and best wishes for success) to Paul for demonstrating so powerfully how (rare &) early newspapers serve as invaluable primary sources for uncovering and preserving… and in this instance, instrumental on forming the story of America’s past.

[newspapers with baseball content]

 

Filed under: Announcements, Newspaper Collecting Ideas, Sports, The Rare Newspapers Community
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June 20, 2026 by · Leave a Comment 

Extra, Extra, Read All About It!

After two decades, we (Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers), have a brand-new website!

The enhancements are best enjoyed first-hand.

Start your discovery at:

RareNewspapers.com

Filed under: Collecting Newspapers, The Collectible Community, The Rare Newspapers Community
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Lead-up to a Nation… as reported in the newspapers of the day (reflecting back on May, 1776)…

June 5, 2026 by · Leave a Comment 

Today we continue our series, “Lead-Up to a Nation… as reported in the newspapers of the day” – the anniversary of the greatest experiment in democracy and self-government.
The following are the installments from last month (May, 2026, which reflected on the events as they were reported approximately 250 years ago – in and around May, 1776:

We hope you are enjoying this year-long trek to the 250th anniversary of The United States through the eyes of those who were fully engaged, first hand. As mentioned previously, all accounts are rooted in what they read in the newspapers of the day.

“History is never more fascinating than when read from the day it was first reported.” (Timothy Hughes, 1975)

Filed under: Collecting Newspapers, Colonial, Newspaper Collecting Ideas, Noteworthy Issues, Revolutionary War, The 1500's - 1700's, The Collectible Community, The Hobby, The Rare Newspapers Community
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Lead-up to a Nation… as reported in the newspapers of the day (reflecting back on April, 1776)…

May 8, 2026 by · Leave a Comment 

Today we continue our series, “Lead-Up to a Nation… as reported in the newspapers of the day” – the anniversary of the greatest experiment in democracy and self-government.
The following are the installments from last month (April, 2026, which reflected on the events as they were reported approximately 250 years ago – in and around April, 1776:

We hope you are enjoying this year-long trek to the 250th anniversary of The United States through the eyes of those who were fully engaged, first hand. As mentioned previously, all accounts are rooted in what they read in the newspapers of the day.

“History is never more fascinating than when read from the day it was first reported.” (Timothy Hughes, 1975)

Filed under: Collecting Newspapers, Colonial, Newspaper Collecting Ideas, Noteworthy Issues, Revolutionary War, The 1500's - 1700's, The Collectible Community, The Hobby, The Rare Newspapers Community
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What’s in a Masthead – An 1800s Boston Investigator…

April 10, 2026 by · 1 Comment 

At first glance, the bold Gothic lettering of The Boston Investigator seems simply to announce a title—but linger a moment, and it reveals a creed. Founded in 1831, the paper became one of America’s longest-running freethought journals, devoted to skepticism, reform, and intellectual independence. By the 1880s, its identity was not merely stated but artistically embedded. The masthead itself functioned as a declaration of purpose, inviting readers into a publication that questioned orthodoxy and encouraged inquiry.

The imagery is deliberate and richly layered. Laurel and oak branches evoke endurance and strength, while flowing banners proclaim ideals such as “Truth,” “Perseverance,” and “Justice.” A cluster of books—bearing names like Paine, Voltaire, and Jefferson—anchors the paper firmly in Enlightenment tradition. And perhaps most striking is the phrase arcing confidently across the design: “Hear All Sides — Then Decide.” In an era often caricatured as rigid or dogmatic, here is a publication quite literally engraving open-minded debate into its identity. The Investigator was not merely tolerating dissent—it was institutionalizing it.

That makes the masthead feel remarkably modern—and, in some ways, quietly defiant even now. Its rebellious spirit from the 19th century champions a principle that can feel increasingly fragile today: the willingness to entertain opposing views before forming conclusions. Where much of the present climate tends to narrow discourse and reward certainty over curiosity, this 19th-century newspaper boldly carved intellectual openness into its very banner. So, what’s in a masthead? In this case, everything: a philosophy of inquiry, a commitment to dialogue, and a timeless challenge to think freely.

PS  The Boston Investigator is considered to be the first American newspaper dedicated to the cause of freethought.

If you own an authentic newspaper with a “special” masthead and you would  like to share it with the collectible community, please send a clear photo of the masthead and the description you would like included to me at pqwryte@rarenewspapers.com.

Filed under: Collecting Newspapers, Newspaper Collecting Ideas, The 1700's, The 19th Century, The 20th & 21st Centuries, The Hobby, The Rare Newspapers Community
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Lead-up to a Nation… as reported in the newspapers of the day (reflecting back on March, 1776)…

April 3, 2026 by · Leave a Comment 

Today we continue our series, “Lead-Up to a Nation… as reported in the newspapers of the day” – the anniversary of the greatest experiment in democracy and self-government.
The following are the installments from last month (March, 2026, which reflected on the events as they were reported approximately 250 years ago – in and around March, 1776:

We hope you are enjoying this year-long trek to the 250th anniversary of The United States through the eyes of those who were fully engaged, first hand. As mentioned previously, all accounts are rooted in what they read in the newspapers of the day.

“History is never more fascinating than when read from the day it was first reported.” (Timothy Hughes, 1975)

Filed under: Collecting Newspapers, Colonial, Newspaper Collecting Ideas, Noteworthy Issues, Revolutionary War, The 1500's - 1700's, The Collectible Community, The Hobby, The Rare Newspapers Community
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This Day Through History (as reported in authentic newspapers)…

March 12, 2026 by · 1 Comment 

A birthday newspaper is a wonderful gift. But what if you could choose from dozens of newsworthy dates — all sharing that same special day of any month? NOW YOU CAN!

 

Pick any month and day below and we’ll instantly show you every historic newspaper we have from that exact date — regardless of the year.

Example 1:

Example 2: Newspapers Published on July 4th



REAL HISTORY in REAL NEWSPAPERS in REAL TIME
“History is never more fascinating than when read from the day it was first reported.”
RareNewspapers.com

 

Filed under: The 1700's, The 19th Century, The 20th & 21st Centuries, The Collectible Community, The Hobby, The Rare Newspapers Community
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Lead-up to a Nation… as reported in the newspapers of the day (February, 1776)…

March 6, 2026 by · 1 Comment 

Today we continue our series, “Lead-Up to a Nation… as reported in the newspapers of the day” – the anniversary of the greatest experiment in democracy and self-government.
The following are the installments from last month (February, 2026, which reflected on the events as they were reported approximately 250 years ago – in and around February, 1775:

We hope you are enjoying this year-long trek to the 250th anniversary of The United States through the eyes of those who were fully engaged, first hand. As mentioned previously, all accounts are rooted in what they read in the newspapers of the day.

“History is never more fascinating than when read from the day it was first reported.” (Timothy Hughes, 1975)

Filed under: Collecting Newspapers, Colonial, Newspaper Collecting Ideas, Noteworthy Issues, Revolutionary War, The 1500's - 1700's, The Collectible Community, The Hobby, The Rare Newspapers Community
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Lead-up to a Nation… as reported in the newspapers of the day (January, 1776)…

February 6, 2026 by · Leave a Comment 

Today we continue our series, “Lead-Up to a Nation… as reported in the newspapers of the day” – the anniversary of the greatest experiment in democracy and self-government.
The following are the installments from last month (January, 2026, which reflected on the events as they were reported approximately 250 years ago – in and around December, 1775:

We hope you are enjoying this year-long trek to the 250th anniversary of The United States through the eyes of those who were fully engaged, first hand. As mentioned previously, all accounts are rooted in what they read in the newspapers of the day.

“History is never more fascinating than when read from the day it was first reported.” (Timothy Hughes, 1975)

Filed under: Collecting Newspapers, Colonial, Newspaper Collecting Ideas, Noteworthy Issues, Revolutionary War, The 1500's - 1700's, The Collectible Community, The Hobby, The Rare Newspapers Community
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Lead-up to a Nation… as reported in the newspapers of the day (December, 1775)…

January 9, 2026 by · Leave a Comment 

Today we continue our series, “Lead-Up to a Nation… as reported in the newspapers of the day” – the anniversary of the greatest experiment in democracy and self-government.
The following are the installments from last month (December, 2025, which reflected on the events as they were reported approximately 250 years ago – in and around December, 1775:

The Battle of Great Bridge – Decisive Patriot Victory (Lead-up to a Nation – E18)

The Capture of Montreal – High-water Mark (Lead-up to a Nation – E19)

Proclamation of Rebellion – Colonial Response (Lead-up to a Nation – E20)

Prohibiting Trade – Stopping trade between England and the Colonies (Lead-up to a Nation – E21)

We hope you are enjoying this year-long trek to the 250th anniversary of The United States through the eyes of those who were fully engaged, first hand. As mentioned previously, all accounts are rooted in what they read in the newspapers of the day.

“History is never more fascinating than when read from the day it was first reported.” (Timothy Hughes, 1975)

Filed under: Collecting Newspapers, Colonial, Newspaper Collecting Ideas, Noteworthy Issues, Revolutionary War, The 1500's - 1700's, The Collectible Community, The Hobby, The Rare Newspapers Community
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