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A “whispering” report presages a significant event in American history…
October 12, 2026 by TimHughes · 1 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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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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Announcing: Catalog 364 – Released for March, 2026 – Rare & Early Newspapers…
February 27, 2026 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
Catalog 364 (for March): This latest offering of authentic newspapers is comprised of over 300 new items, a selection which includes the following noteworthy issues: an issue re: the Olive Branch Petition, Hawaii’s first English language newspaper, “The Crisis” essay #9 by Thomas Paine, a first report of Lincoln’s assassination, a Civil War prison camp newspaper, an early newsbook from 1643, the historic “Funding Act”, and more.
The following links are designed to help you explore all available items from this latest edition of our catalog:
Abridged Catalog (EXCLUDES wholesale lots & titles sold only by year (not by a specific date)
A PDF Version of the Catalog (printable)
Entire Catalog grouped by Era:
1500-1799 (full view OR quick-scan/compact view)
1800-1899 (full view OR quick-scan/compact” view)
1900-Present (full view OR quick-scan/compact” view)
The following links focus on both this month’s and last months catalogs:
- Combined Catalogs (entirety of both)
Become a Premium Member to receive hard copy versions of our catalogs (U.S. residents only).
February Newsletter (2026) – Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers…
February 13, 2026 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
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