From Passion to Legacy: 50 Years Strong… and Counting…

November 28, 2025 by  
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The following, penned by the founder of Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers, appeared on the front page of our most recent catalog (#361):

It was 50 years ago this month that the Rare & Early Newspapers business began.

Having been a collector of many things in my earliest of years, primarily coins, venturing into this fascinating world of old newspapers was a logical step. I never really saw a truly old newspaper until I stumbled across an 1826 Philadelphia newspaper at a local flea market, I was convinced I had discovered an unexploited hobby. So my new adventure began. 

Although I started collecting somewhat earlier, I sold my first newspaper on December 1, 1975. I used a manual typewriter to list various newspapers on a legal-size sheet of paper, then making photocopies at a local college to print multiple sheets. When an issue or two sold, I typed up replacements and taped the listings over those that sold, then made more photocopies.

How to advertise in the pre-internet era? I would place small, classified ads in various history & collector-themed magazines. As for research, I kept a set of encyclopedias next to my desk.

Eventually, the single sheets of offerings turned into small catalogs. The first formal catalog was issued in the spring of 1978 and wasn’t even numbered, as I wasn’t sure there would be another.

This catalog you have in your hands is number 361. My ad mentioned “…send 25¢…” for the catalog, which more than covered the cost of postage. Imagine that! 

It was always my goal to continue to offer more issues, earlier issues, and more historic offerings with each passing month. I’ve been pleased with our progress, and for those who have been with us for many years, hopefully you’ve noticed the dramatic growth in the range of our inventory. It was my hope that collectors would look forward to each catalog, anxious to discover new “goodies” we’ve not offered before.

I became semi-retired some 23 years ago with Guy Heilenman taking over, but I remain actively involved, primarily with buying inventory. My wife and I moved West to be close to family, but I get back to Williamsport for “hands-on” work about six weeks a year.

There will be no end to this business. We remain the only full-time dealers in early newspapers in the world. At some point another generation will take over, and our inventory and offerings will, hopefully, continue to expand. I hope to remain involved for as long as God allows.

Thank you all for 50 years of fun!

Tim Hughes

As I reflect on all that has unfolded since Tim first placed those typewritten listings on a photocopied page, I am deeply grateful for the foundation he built — one rooted not just in curiosity and perseverance, but in faith, integrity, and a desire to honor God through honest work. What began as one man’s fascination with the past has become a legacy business that has served thousands of collectors, connected generations through the printed word, and provided meaningful work for more than twenty dedicated team members — including Tim’s younger brother (Brian), my wife (Laura), and all six of our children. Tim’s vision and steadfast commitment to excellence continue to shape every part of who we are as a company.
Furthermore, I’m thankful Tim remains actively involved today, still sharing his wisdom and passion with us. Lord willing, when both of our times have passed, my children — and/or perhaps even my children’s children — will carry the torch forward, preserving not only the newspapers of history, but the faith, integrity, and purpose that have guided this work from the very beginning. May the legacy Tim began continue to remind us that while newspapers record history, it’s the lives behind them that make it truly worth remembering. After all, as Tim said back in 1975: “History is never more fascinating than when it’s read from the day it was first reported” – that is, through the eyes of those who lived it. Thanks Tim.
Guy Heilenman

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Comments

10 Responses to “From Passion to Legacy: 50 Years Strong… and Counting…”

  1. Mike Selya on November 29th, 2025 9:43 am

    Thanks Tim And Guy. Can’t think of a better way to “walk through the past”. Enjoy the Holidays !!

  2. Paul Sarna on November 29th, 2025 6:26 pm

    Tim and Guy and families…THANKS for everything you have done for the hobby.

  3. Announcing: Catalog #361 for December, 2025 – Rare & Early Newspapers… : History's Newsstand Blog on December 1st, 2025 5:03 am

    […] From Passion to Legacy: 50 Years Strong… and Counting… […]

  4. GuyHeilenman on December 1st, 2025 11:52 am

    Thank you Mike.

  5. GuyHeilenman on December 1st, 2025 11:52 am

    Thanks Paul.

  6. George Emery on December 5th, 2025 4:11 pm

    Thank you Tim, and thank you, Guy. My joy is the early history of our Navy. Books about that history are wonderful in that regard, but newspapers revealing that history at the moment it occurs are far more rewarding. You both have been the source of many of those truly early extraordinary announcements and I relish their presence in my collection.

    Stay well, have a memorable holiday, and thanks again.

    George

  7. Tom Pickett on December 5th, 2025 4:16 pm

    Thanks for the chance to comment. My involvement dates to the 1980s I believe.
    My purchases are partial now because of age. I still enjoy your listing. Thanks!

  8. Abram Epstein on December 5th, 2025 5:33 pm

    Immanuel Kant observed, “Nothing amazes me more than the starry sky above and the moral law within me.” If he had a selection of rare newspapers capturing the American struggle for liberty as you have made it a living resource, he would have added, “and Tim and Guy for all they do to enrich our heritage.”

  9. Howard Lewis on December 12th, 2025 3:34 pm

    Congratulations. I love the day each month when new acquisitions are announced. Always a pleasure dealing with you.

  10. Holiday Newsletter (2025) – Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers… : History's Newsstand Blog on December 15th, 2025 5:04 am

    […] Howard Lewis on From Passion to Legacy: 50 Years Strong… and Counting… […]

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