Search
The Rare & Early Newspapers Hobby
Receive the Newsletter
Buy Historic Newspapers
The Illustrated London News… Beautiful imagery…
September 16, 2022 by LauraH · Leave a Comment
Today, as I was searching for an issue for a collector, I was paging through an 1857 issue of The Illustrated London News. In the midst of all of the intricate black and white sketches I happened upon two full-color double page portraits of what I believed to be women’s fashion of the day… one titled “Town” and the other titled “Country”. Of course, my immediate thought went to the popular American magazine which began in the 1800’s. However, upon a bit of investigating, I found that the current Town and Country Magazine had a predecessor two hundred years prior to its inception (some of which we have sold). This English version which began in the 1760’s is described as follows by Wikipedia:
“Town and Country Magazine was an 18th-century London-based publication that featured tales of scandals and affairs between members of London’s upper classes. Town and Country Magazine was founded by Archibald Hamilton in 1769. It gained the name ‘Town and Country’ because Hamilton had two offices, one in urban Clerkenwell and one in a rural area near Highgate. In the 1770s there was a dramatic increase in suits brought by men and their wives’ lovers in England. Many people became eager to read transcripts of adultery trials…”.
Yikes! After reading this, I am no longer sure what I found was describing women’s fashion.
They put it in print, 1947 – The day Roswell became a boldfaced destination on the map…
September 12, 2022 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
With few exceptions, the most collectible/desirable “1st reports” of most major events are found in newspapers printed the day after the event occurred. However, it is hard not to ponder what people were reading in the newspapers printed on the “day of” such events. The reality that most memorable events in history took place on days in which the average person woke up to an ordinary, typical, “same-ol-same ol” world, poured themselves a cup of coffee, and sat down to read the relatively uneventful news reports reporting on the events from the prior day. What were people reading on the day of Lincoln’s assassination… the bombing of Pearl Harbor… the “twin-towers” attack… the sinking of the Titanic… the Hindenburg explosion… the 1906 San Francisco earthquake/fire… the (atomic) bombing of Hiroshima? In nearly every instance the newspapers printed and read on the day of such events including nothing whatsoever related to what was to come a mere hours later. How could they?
It is this common-sense reality which made our recent discovery of the Chicago Daily Tribune printed on the day of the “Roswell Incident” rather intriguing. See for yourself:
Labor Day… the closing of summer…
September 5, 2022 by LauraH · Leave a Comment
Growing up, it seemed as if summer was full of fun days. Not just the daily delights of no school and long warm evenings where you could still see to play until 9pm but, special days as well… holidays filled with picnics and parades and flags fluttering in the breeze. As a child, each of those festivals seemed the same with some being punctuated by fireworks but all being filled with extended family, community and tables full of family favorites. As I got a bit older, my diligent grandparents helped me to understand the differences in these summer observances… the founding of our one-of-a-kind country being celebrated one day and those who lost their lives defending her being honored on another. In the midst of my growing understanding, I did not quite grasp the importance of Labor Day. To me it was the last vestige of summer, deserving of celebration. Fortunately, even though my elders did not instill in me a full understanding of this final summer festival, they did foster in me a strong work ethic and so, in time, I came to realize the tremendous importance of honoring those who toiled and labored to build this grand country and continue to sustain her. With these childhood images in mind, I was so delighted to find a New York Times dated June 29, 1894 with a front-page announcement of President Grover Cleveland’s establishment of Labor Day as a National Holiday. May our flag keep billowing, and may American parents continue to raise up generations who will be willing to labor and sacrifice for her so she may continue to shine.
Blockbuster Movie Ads at Their Best – Overview – Part II
August 29, 2022 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
It has been nearly a month since we posted: Blockbuster Movie Ads – Overview – Part 1
We had so much fun creating and sharing the video one of our staff thought it would be nice to offer a sequel. These authentic ads for the premiers of blockbuster movies stir memories of what we now view as simpler days. The fact that they come from a Los Angles newspaper – the home of Hollywood, make them even more desirable. This 2nd installment may be viewed at
Ads for the Premiers of Blockbuster Movies – Part II (view on YouTube or Facebook)
As mentioned previously, we add new listings on nearly a weekly basis. However, if you have a favorite movie for which you would like to see an ad from the week of its release, and cannot find it through the link, just send me a note (guy@rarenewspapers.com).
In the meantime, our active listings are found at: Blockbuster Movie Ads
A collectible few know exists… Rare & Early Newspapers…
August 26, 2022 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
In the summer of 2020, a new staff member, Lyndsay Miller, joined the Rare & Early Newspapers family. Unlike most of us who are old dogs and are not on the cutting edge of social media (i.e., we have zero chance of becoming “influencers” – oh well), she walks a bit closer to the cutting edge. One day, soon after my wife (our office manager) and I returned from visiting family, I (accidentally) checked one of our social media accounts where I found Lyndsay had been secretly at work in our absence. The two videos she had created are shown below. Enjoy
https://www.tiktok.com/@historysnewsstand/video/7115109861498621227?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7063070103805888006
https://www.tiktok.com/@historysnewsstand/video/7099544529078062382?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7063070103805888006
Snapshot 1822 – Before the last Mohican tugged at our heartstrings…
August 4, 2022 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
When one thinks of James Fenimore Cooper they no doubt think of his classic novel, “The Last of the Mohicans” – an extraordinarily compelling account (albeit fictional) of the attack on Fort William Henry during the French and Indian War. However, somewhat lost over time is his highly respected work from 5 years prior which brought him national attention and respect as an American novelist: “The Spy” (another work of historical fiction but set during the American Revolution). While still early in his career, the Feb. 2, 1922 Columbian Centinel had a nice report announcing its release and included a mention of “coming attractions”. It also made reference to his deceased father, a former New York State Judge and Senator. Although not mentioned in the article, the reading of it inspired me to do a little digging at which point I discovered his boyhood home was in the village of Cooperstown, New York, which had been named after his family.
Blockbuster Movie Ads at Their Best – Overview – Part I
August 1, 2022 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
A few weeks ago we posted “Blockbuster Movie Ads at Their Best – “Top Gun Maverick”. While preparing the post we wondered whether or not it might not be fun to provide a bit of background regarding these issues.
Back in 1994 we had the opportunity (through a third party) to add the personal holdings of The Los Angeles Times to our inventory – issues which had never been in circulation. The thought of taking in a substantial set of newspapers which would serve our West Coast clients seeking regional “birthday newspapers” while providing all collectors with coverage of major events from a “big city” newspaper seemed like a good idea.
So, Tim Hughes, my 12-year-old daughter (Eve), and I packed our bags and headed to Burbank. After 5 days of 90-100 degree heat, thousands of flights of steps, hours upon hours of listening to Toby Mac, and more dust and sweat than any of us had ever experienced, three tractor trailers were finally loaded and enroute to South Williamsport, PA. Tired? Yes. Pleased? As one can be when utterly exhausted. Proud of my daughter’s perseverance? You bet! Yet, the best was yet to come.
As is often the case in the newspaper collecting hobby, unbeknownst to us were gems buried deep within: Calendar Sections containing full-page and/or double-page ads for the premiers of many of the blockbuster movies we adore. We couldn’t believe it. Actual poster-sized ads for premiers of blockbuster films of the past printed in authentic Los Angeles newspapers… When it comes to such ads, it just doesn’t get any better!
Our listings typically include the following: “There is perhaps no better issue to be found for these premier ads, the L.A. Times being the leading newspaper from the home of the entertainment industry – the Hollywood area’s prime publication. Where else might one find authentic, poster-size ads for Opening Day showings, in the most desirable Hollywood-area newspaper? In over 40 years of collecting, we have yet to see such unique & dramatic coverage with truly top-shelf, eye-catching displayability.”
One of our staff recently create a video to highlight a few:
We add new listings on nearly a weekly basis, but if you have a favorite movie for which you would like to see and ad from the week of its release, just send me a note (guy@rarenewspapers.com).
In the meantime, our active listings are found at: Blockbuster Movie Ads
Exploring the 18th of July through the Eyes of Rare & Early Newspapers…
July 18, 2022 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
The good, the bad, the historic, and the mundane… If you would like to explore what was reported in original newspapers on July 18th over the past several centuries, feel free to begin your trek at:
JULY 18th
Summer Blockbuster Movie Ads at Their Best – “Top Gun: Maverick” Edition…
July 15, 2022 by LauraH · Leave a Comment
“It’s okay, but as usual, it’s not as good as the original“, is a commonly heard phrase among movie goers. Sequels are rarely as good as their predecessors, and most certainly never better … or so we thought. On May 9, 1986, the Los Angeles Times had a full-page ad for the soon to be released movie, Top Gun, starring Tom Cruise. One can only guess if the paper realized what an iconic movie they were promoting the week before it’s premier. Flash forward approximately a quarter of a century to the summer of 2022 when Tom Cruise reprised his roll as Maverik and once again rocked theater box offices for weeks. Perhaps, “not as good as the original” has finally been put to rest.
Collateral Damage – Yosemite Valley’s Little Sister…
July 8, 2022 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
One of the many joys inspired by collecting (and reading) old/historic newspapers is the knowledge gained by investigating/exploring decades and even centuries old articles about things which were noteworthy in their day but are unbeknownst to the average reader of today. Such is the case with an article I recently found within the November 25, 1882 issue of The Washington World (D.C.).
The worst non-weather-related tragedy in the history of the United States remains the San Fransico Earthquake/Fire of 1906. The devastation was unimaginable – over 3,000 people perished and greater than 80% of San Fransico was destroyed. The direct and collateral impact are still felt to this day. One such case of the latter is the ongoing battle over Yosemite Valley’s little sister.
Positioned slightly to the north of Yosemite National Park is the Hetch Hetchy Valley. While not as expansive, and with somewhat less than Ansel-Adams-esque views, its beauty was breathtaking – the operating word being “was”. If one were to view the valley today, heartbreaking would be the more accurate description. Instead of the serene beauty that touched the souls of John Muir, Willaim Keith, Albert Bierstadt, and a host of others, today one would see a nearly empty mud-hole resulting from a nearly dry reservoir. Yuck!
But why a reservoir? In response to the 1906 earthquake and resulting fire, the need for a better water-source for the San Fransico Bay region was obvious. After years of battling with the Sierra Club and likeminded naturalists, in 1913 a Congress passed legislation naming the Tuolumne River as “the solution” and authorized a dam to be built in order to create a reservoir for the needed water-supply. In 1923 the O’Shaughnessy Dam was completed and the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir was born. While there continue to be calls to remove the dam, the collateral damage has been done, and reclaiming that which has long-since been washed away by decades of emersion seems highly unlikely if not impossible.