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An intriguing irony of American history, only to be found in a newspaper…
June 1, 2026 by TimHughes · Leave a Comment
There are times when we browse through a newspaper and, while looking for something else, come across an unexpected little gem of American history. And from what we are able to determine, this “little gem” has never been reported to this day.
The “Boston Daily Journal” of April 14, 1865 shares the date of the Lincoln assassination, he attending a performance
of “Our American Cousin” at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. Page 3 of this newspaper has an advertisement for the Boston Theatre, noting: “This (Friday) Evening Benefit and Positively Last Night of EDWIN BOOTH who will appear as Sir Edward Mortimer…To-Morrow (Saturday Afternoon, Farewell Appearance of EDWIN BOOTH, Who will sustain his Great Character of Hamlet…”.
So what did we find? The very evening that famed actor Edwin Booth was performing in a Boston theater, his younger brother was assassinating the President in a theater less than 400 miles away.
This advertisement, logically, would only be found in a Boston newspaper.
This is similar to another of our blog posts, concerning Lincoln attending a Washington, D.C. stage performance of John Wilkes Booth in 1863, the irony being Lincoln’s assumed applause at the conclusion of the performance for the person who would assassinate him less than 2 years later.
Such tidbits of history are fascinating finds, and could only be discovered in newspapers of the day. So look carefully at the issues you purchase. Will you discover a historical gem that the world knew nothing about?
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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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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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).
Announcing: Catalog 363 – Released for February, 2026 – Rare & Early Newspapers…
January 30, 2026 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
Catalog 363 (for February): This latest offering of authentic newspapers is comprised of over 300 new items, a selection which includes the following noteworthy issues: a Massachusetts Spy with the desired “Join or Die” snake engraving, a Pennsylvania Ledger with the Olive Branch Petition, one of the rarest of early American magazines, The Jew Bill: striving for equal rights for Jews, a handsome colonial New York newspaper from 1745, a fine report on the death of George Washington, 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).
Announcing: Catalog #361 for December, 2025 – Rare & Early Newspapers…
December 1, 2025 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
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Announcing: Catalog #360 for November, 2025 – Rare & Early Newspapers…
October 31, 2025 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
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Catalog #360 (for November)
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Announcing: Catalog #359 for October, 2025 – Rare & Early Newspapers…
September 30, 2025 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
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October’s catalog (#359)
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