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A “whispering” report presages a significant event in American history…
October 12, 2026 by TimHughes · Leave a Comment
One of the joys of collecting early newspapers and magazines–as I’ve mentioned several times before–is discovering little gems buried inconspicuously within an issue but would later gain considerably more significance. Huge headlines dramatically presented on the front page are always wonderful, but sometimes it’s the opposite presentation that adds to the collecting joy.
Such is the case with the July, 1753 issue of the “Gentleman’s Magazine” from London. Although one would suspect there would be no notable American content from this year, still some months away from the beginning of the French & Indian War, a seemingly insignificant item defies that assumption.
Tucked within the “America” news on an inside page, the item simply records that Philadelphia has raised: “…the great bell…with this inscription, ‘Proclaim liberty throughout all the land…’.” At the time, it was just a functional addition to the State House steeple. Yet today, this understated mention represents one of the earliest printed acknowledgments of what would become a cornerstone of American identity.
What makes the piece truly remarkable is how ordinary the installation seemed in 1753—long before the bell would crack, long before it would be embraced as a symbol of independence, abolition, and unity. For collectors, this is the Liberty Bell before the legend. Over the next century, the bell’s voice—and its silence—would mark defining moments in American history.
This issue is a gem of an item for any collector of Revolutionary War-era reports.
Spinning the Yarn: The Power of Newspapers as Primary Sources…
June 21, 2026 by GuyHeilenman · 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]
Most Important Election Ever… Washington Takes the Reins…
June 12, 2026 by Laura Heilenman · Leave a Comment
Announcing: Catalog 367 – Released (early) for June, 2026 – Rare & Early Newspapers…
May 29, 2026 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
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Reflections on Decoration Day: Honoring the Ultimate Sacrifice…
May 25, 2026 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
Ten years ago today, we shared a reflection on the holiday originally known as Decoration Day. While the roots of this observance reach back to 1861 and beyond, keeping its true purpose at the forefront of our minds is a vital act of remembrance. It is the least we can do to demonstrate our gratitude for those who gave their all so we may continue to live in a nation that embraces life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
From the Archives: Our Original 2016 Post
Memorial Day is a time set aside in the United States to remember and give thanks for those who sacrificed life and limb to secure the freedoms we enjoy. These are the “self-evident, unalienable rights” bestowed upon us by the Creator, as envisioned by our Founding Fathers.
In times of peace and abundance, it is far too easy to forget the staggering cost paid by so many to ensure the freedom of others. With this in mind, I was recently struck by an article in the March 20, 1861, issue of the Western Christian Advocate out of Cincinnati, Ohio.
The piece provides moving details regarding General George Washington’s famous prayer – as well-depicted in the famous painting by Arnold Friberg: “Prayer at Valley Forge.” You can access the full text of that 1861 article via the “Western Christian Advocate” shown above.
Today, as we partake in various holiday activities, our hope is that we will all take a moment to enjoy—and truly appreciate—a blessed and meaningful Memorial Day.
Announcing: Catalog 366 – Released (early) for May, 2026 – Rare & Early Newspapers…
May 1, 2026 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
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April Newsletter (2026) – Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers…
April 17, 2026 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
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Announcing: Catalog 365 – Released (early) for April, 2026 – Rare & Early Newspapers…
March 27, 2026 by Phineas Q. Wryte · Leave a Comment
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March Newsletter (2026) – Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers…
March 16, 2026 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
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“Printing In The Americas” – A reference book for your shelves…
March 2, 2026 by TimHughes · Leave a Comment
There are very few reference books which are exclusive to newspapers, so some of the better ones are about printing in general, peppered with historical accounts of newspaper publishing as well.
One of my favorites is such a book, titled “Printing In The Americas” by John Clyde Oswald. Done by the Gregg Publishing Company in 1937 it unfortunately is out of print, however copies can be found on book dealer shelves across the country. With the broad scope of internet sites abebooks.com and alibris.com I suspect it would not be difficult to find a copy.
There are 91 chapters totaling over 560 pages but it can essentially be considered to have three parts. first: a general history of printing in colonial America which includes much on early newspapers; second: a state by state review of the their first printing efforts, most of which were newspapers rather than books or pamphlets; and third: printing history in other countries of the Western hemisphere including Canada, Central America, South America and the West Indies, typically not dealt with in most printing history efforts.
I find the Midwest and Western states to have the most intriguing histories, filled with stories of tragedy & hardship in trying to operate a printing establishment in the wilds of America. There were far more failures than successes. Early printers must certainly have come from hearty and optimistic stock.
While we do not have one to offer, this is a title I would suggest you pursue. Given its format it doesn’t have to be read cover to cover, but rather chapters of interest stand alone as little histories in just a few pages.