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Reflecting on 2020 as we approach Thanksgiving…
November 23, 2020 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
“Count your blessings, name them one by one…”
2020 has certainly been quite the year. There’s no doubt it came with more than its share of difficulties; however, history is pregnant with years fraught with an abundance of pain, suffering, and death. I admit, there have been occasions when the onslaught of bad news has weighed heavily upon my mind, but thankfully, there have been more than enough moments when I’ve been checked back from allowing negative thoughts to win the day.
Such was the case when I took notice of the November 18, 1918 issue of the Springfield Republican (see below). In the midst of the horrors brought on by the Spanish Flu Epidemic, President Woodrow Wilson continued the presidential tradition of proclaiming a day for thanksgiving and prayer. What particularly caught my attention was seeing the bordered text of the Thanksgiving Proclamation surrounded on three sides by WWI reports from all over the world, a mere 6 inches from an article updating the readers of the current death toll of the pandemic. “A rose among thorns” came to mind, followed by a flashback to my childhood – as I could almost hear my (recently deceased) mother’s words yet again: “No matter how bad you think things are, there are people throughout the world who have it much worse than you do. Never stop counting your blessings.” Of course I wouldn’t always immediately comply, which prompted her follow-up: “Wipe that sour look off your face before it gets stuck that way.”
So, it is with these thoughts in mind I hope, wish, and pray for our “collecting” family to have a Thanksgiving overflowing with… thanksgiving.
When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God has done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.
[repeat refrain]
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—money cannot buy,
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
[repeat refrain]
So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
[repeat refrain]
Lyrics by Johnson Oatman, Jr.
Snapshot 1945… America’s youth are too soft…
November 12, 2020 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
WW2 was finally over, but much was to be done. Trials, international agreements, boundaries of country’s which had been conquered by the Nazis… What to do with the millions who had lost their homes due to destruction, fleeing life-threatening circumstances, or having been carted off to concentration camps? What about the abundance of parentless children? How to rebuild? Who would pay for the rebuilding of countless areas of devastation? What about the atom bomb? What does this new power mean?
In the midst of all of these critical and time-sensitive concerns at the forefront of President Truman’s mind, one which caught my eye was found on the front page of a Wilmington Morning Star (NC) from October 24, 1945. What do we do to prepare our nation for future conflicts? While a great question, his focus was thought-provoking:
The youth of America are too soft, and something needs to be done, now!
The image below shows a portion of both Truman’s thoughts and his plan of action – initial steps which would eventually blossom into President Eisenhower’s “President’s Council on Youth Fitness” in 1956. These actions, along with similar measures taken over the 40 years to follow, led me to wonder whether it is time to take a look at this question once again. After all, raising up the next generation to be characterized by the fragile term “snowflakes” does not bode well for the future of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”. 
They Put It In Print (1918)… “The 19th Amendment fails by 1 vote…”
October 26, 2020 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
Does one vote matter? Does every vote count?
Since the passage of the 19th Amendment, the impact of women on the political climate, and therefore, on both the course and civil fabric of the United States cannot be understated. Since 1964, more women have voted in presidential elections than men – as measured by both actual quantity and as a percentage of their respective genders. While this “right” was not realized until 1920, few know that the (women’s suffrage) Amendment nearly passed two years earlier, but came up short by a single vote. Sadly, not all Senators were present to vote. How do we know? They put it in print in The Christian Science Monitor (Boston) dated October 2, 1918. 
They Put It In Print (1848)… “Lincoln that is, political gold, Illinois tea…”
September 25, 2020 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
A tremendous wag, hilarious, upright, a real gem… We recently uncovered the earliest “feature” article we’ve ever found regarding Abraham Lincoln – buried on the back page of the The Greensborough Patriot (NC) dated September 16, 1848. On the heels of gold having just been discovered in California, another golden-nugget was slowly becoming unearthed on the opposite side of the country – before the very eyes (and ears) of the nation. Although Lincoln was a relatively unknown senator from Illinois, a reporter heard him speak before The House and was impressed enough to take the time to record his observations. It appears this reporter, along with a host of others, would be drawn to the qualities which would set him apart from the pack, and would eventually propel him into the history books. How do we know? Back in 1848, they put it in print:
I can imagine, as articles such as this began to circulate, that the folks back in home in Illinois began to talk in Lincoln’s ear, and…
The first thing you know ol Abe’s politically extraordinaire,
Kinfolk said “Abe move away from there”.
Said “The Capitol” is the place you ought to be”
So they loaded him on a train and he moved to D.C.
The UNITED States would never be the same.
They Put It In Print (1862)… Slavery At The Capital…
July 10, 2020 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
We all have a tendency to view things through a lens of our own creation – and the internet and social media – both which customize our “news” to our liking, only help refine our “news” into that which reinforces our worldview. In the end, honest, open dialogue – once the fabric of our public discourse, is reduced to mere noise falling upon deadened ears. Truth is, all Republicans… all Democrats… all Libertarians… all those who disagree with our point of view are not uneducated, haters, bigots and/or evil. Republicans do not “own” patriotism, and Democrats do not possess the mantle of black-American advocacy. How do we know? Back in 1862, The New York Tribune dated March 14, 1862 put it in print:
A few personal thoughts on the current pandemic – with a link to the past…
March 19, 2020 by GuyHeilenman · 3 Comments
It is rare I use this space to share personal thoughts which stroll into areas not directly related to Rare & Early Newspapers. If you are uncomfortable with views which may not match your own, please do not continue reading. I will certainly not be offended. If you decide to continue, please enjoy.
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Large-scale tragedy comes in many forms and often comes quickly. Whether by severe weather (flood, hurricane, drought, etc.), earthquake, war, severe economic crisis, or disease, the death, destruction, and broken lives (of those who survive) have been scattered throughout time. 
As we now face a nightmarish pandemic, it is easy to think myopically, and in so doing, fear, anxiety, and panic often win the day. Yet, what is a reasoned response? Where do we turn for strength? Politicians and other world leaders can help, but they are often mere fingers in a dyke – trying hopelessly to restrain the flood of pending devastation. Religious leaders can help point us to the future, and historians can direct us to the past (see examples through time), and family and friends can provide us with a degree of comfort. Still, in the end, most succumb either physically or emotionally to its crushing, callous, and often capricious impact on the world as they… and now as we know it.
This reality, in conjunction with the current pandemic, has caused many to reflect on life, death, and what is and is not important – and I’m certainly no exception. Each morning I try to read a passage from the Bible and jot down my thoughts as a written prayer-response to what I’ve read. What follows is my last two entries. If they are an encouragement to even a few, great. However, please know yourself. If one man’s meanderings from a Christian perspective would be offensive to you, please do not continue – but know you are in my thoughts and prayers as we walk through the shadow of death. You may still wish to explore the link above which shows examples of similar circumstances through time. We are not alone. 🙂
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A simple prayer (3/14/2020)… Psalm 61:1-4 “O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer! From the ends of the earth, I cry to You for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering Rock of safety, for YOU ARE my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. Let me live forever in Your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of Your wings!”
A simple prayer (3/16/2020)… Romans 9:30-33 “What does all this mean? Even though the Gentiles were not trying to follow God’s standards, they were made right with God. And it was by faith that this took place. But the people of Israel, who tried so hard to get right with God by keeping The Law, never succeeded. Why not? Because they were trying to get right with God by keeping The Law instead of by trusting in Him. They stumbled over the great rock in their path. God warned them of this in the Scriptures when He said, “I am placing a Stone in Jerusalem that makes people stumble, a Rock that makes them fall. But anyone who trusts in Him will never be disgraced.”
Dear Lord, Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You for the above passage which drives home the nature and beauty of Your grace. While we often (rightfully) criticize the Pharisees for being whitewashed sepulchers – white and clean on the outside but on the inside filled with dead men’s bones, many of the Israelites did pursue The Law without ill motives – simply as a means for obtaining righteousness. Yet, Your Word overflows with examples which hammer home the truth that good intentions are simply not good enough. This point was made clear from as early on as the Garden. Adam and Eve sought and made coverings of fig leaves to cover their nakedness. Well intended? Perhaps. Good enough? No. Cain followed with providing a sacrifice from the fruit of his labor. Well intended? Perhaps. Good enough? Again, no. This same pattern was played out over and over again throughout Your Word, and culminated in the New Testament when we were told about a rich young ruler who had made every intention of keeping The Law from youth, yet in a matter of seconds, was revealed by Your Son to be lacking. It’s not as if this should catch us off guard, for Your Word in Isaiah 64:6 says, “We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind.” Yet, still today many seek to gain good standing with You by making sure their good deeds outweigh their bad. Once again… Well intended? Perhaps. Good enough? Sadly, and often tragically, no.
The bottom line: You are the Creator, we are the created… You are the Potter, we are the clay… You are Sovereign, we are not. Regardless of what we think or do, You are The One who decides the method for our salvation. Thankfully, in Your great mercy, You did supply both the method and the means: through faith in what was accomplished by Your Son when He gave Himself up as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. Why is this the only Way? Because You said so. Why is this Good News? Because even our best efforts, no matter how well intended, could never change our very nature – a systemic problem which was passed down to us from Adam and validated endlessly by our own actions – the mother of all pandemics which had and continues to have a 100% kill-rate apart from You. Without the righteousness provided for us through Your Son, we are merely dead men walking. We don’t need a fix, we need a complete redo. We need to be born again. Thankfully, You provided for us that which we could not provide for ourselves: the ultimate Cure – spiritual rebirth… a new heart… the You-Sourced breath of life itself.
Lord, thank You for Your great plan of salvation. Thank you for your mercy. Thank You for Your grace. Thank You for the method and the means. Thank You for forgiveness. Thank You for a hope which reached beyond the grave. Thank You for faith. Although I don’t get it, thank You for wanting a relationship with me. Thank You as well for birthing in me a desire to have a relationship with You. Now that I think of it, thanks for everything. Amen
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A Simple Prayer’s reading schedule may be viewed at:
https://www.facebook.com/A-Simple-Prayer-109808103914263/?modal=admin_todo_tour
Christmas-themed poems from 1850 – Food for thought…
December 24, 2019 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
Earlier this year I came across a December 21, 1850 issue of Household Words – a publication “conducted” by Charles Dickens, which actually contained an original work by him titled “A CHRISTMAS TREE.” Although this was his publication, the majority of the contributions within were typically written by others. While perusing the issue I came across a set of Christmas-themed poems which stirred my heart. Hopefully you will also find them moving. Enjoy.
I’m New Here: Week Forty-Two, Wishing You A Blessed Christmas!
December 21, 2019 by Stephanie Williams · Leave a Comment
As this is the first gift ordering season I have experienced in the Rare Newspaper world, there is much I have learned recently. However, I am on a personal quest to keep the bustle of the season from obscuring the spiritual value of these days. It is the third week of Advent on the Christian calendar and my morning reflections are on Joy. I appreciate the preceding meditations have been on Hope and Peace, because without them Joy might feel a bit contrived, at least to me.
My good intentions, however, usually don’t survive the details of life. Into all the elevated mindset about to be swept away by the Monday morning deluge of business activity, came an anchoring phone call. The gentleman was seeking information about an issue out of Honolulu, dated December 7th. It is one of the most available reprints as there were three versions in addition to the original. This fellow was mostly interested in telling the story of his newlywed mother who followed her spouse out to Hawaii in 1941, where he was stationed on a naval destroyer in Pearl Harbor. He told how his mom took a job in the shipyard so she could stay, and her birthday was unexpectedly marked by sirens and smoke. This woman, who wouldn’t open gifts until her husband returned days later, was blessed to spend more than seventy more years with him.
It’s a beautiful story, and it encompasses much of the mindset of WWII. The newspaper headlines surrounding those days are larger-than-life to me, standing decades later. But the people who responded with extraordinary courage and forbearance and loyalty and perseverance were ordinary men and women who put their concerns aside for something greater than immediate comfort or convenience or even personal safety. And the reports, columns, psa’s and advertisements of the time only serve to bring that point home.
Anyway, Hope comes before Peace which comes before Joy.
And then comes Love.
The following poem by Christina Rossetti, eventually titled “Christmastide” was published in 1885:
Love came down at Christmas,
Love all lovely, Love Divine,
Love was born at Christmas,
Star and Angels gave the sign.
Worship we the Godhead,
Love Incarnate, Love Divine,
Worship we our Jesus,
But wherewith for sacred sign?
Love shall be our token,
Love be yours and love be mine,
Love to God and all men,
Love for plea and gift and sign.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.
They Put It In Print (1941)… World Series – Cardinals vs. Yankees…
October 7, 2019 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
Typically, the day after a MLB team is defeated in the World Series, an acknowledgement along with a few humble, congratulatory remarks are the focus of the losing team’s hometown newspaper. However, after the New York Yankees eliminated the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1941 World Series, the St.Louis Post-Dispatch decided to ignore decorum and instead, predicted that the following year, the Cards would return to defeat the Yankees in the 1942 World Series? How do we know they made such a bold prediction? They put it in print – and, Nostradamus would have been proud. The following year both teams returned to the World Series, and the Cards defeated the Yankees in only five games.
They Put It In Print… How to hate – 1941…
September 22, 2019 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
As we were searching through our issues from 1941 looking for new WWII content, to our great dismay we discovered a article on page 3 of the San Francisco Chronicle dated November 15th headed: “Goebbels Tells Germans How To Hate Jews”, which was followed by his ten “reasons” to hate them. There are some who wish to ignore and/or deny the existence of the hatred which ran rampant during this time in world history, but thanks to the S.F. Chronicle, they put it in print: