Historic Newspapers: Moments in American History

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, August 2, 1879  The full front page is a print captioned: "Edison In His Workshop" showing him at work on an experiment. Very displayable. An inside page has a related article on him, taking 1 1/2 columns.
Other prints within including a full page of: "The Saratoga Regatta", a full page of: "Lake George, Looking Southwest from Black Mountain", "The Moss Bunker or Menhaden Fishery on the Long Island Coast", a full page Thomas Nast political cartoon: "The Campaign…

NEW YORK HERALD, August 22, 1812 

* Scudder's American Museum
* Leatherback sea turtle display

A back page notice for the: "Mammoth Turtle In Scudder's American Museum" takes nearly half a column and offers many details about this enormous creature. Includes a rather large woodcut of the turtle's head as well.
Complete with all 4 pages, nice condition.

Background: This August 22, 1812, issue of the New York Herald captures a fascinating intersection of early American pop culture and wartime…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, New York, September 6, 1866

* Jay Cooke & his banking house
* Financier of the Civil War
* Wall Street Panic of 1873 fame

Page 6 of this newspaper contains an advertisement for the: "Banking House of Jay Cooke & Co." with a few more details (see). Other high profile financier ads as well. (see)
The life of Jay Cooke and his considerable influence in banking & business in the last half of the 19th century can be read at this website.
Complete in 8 pages, various news of the day…

THE FIREBRAND, Portland, Oregon, Feb. 21, 1897  A fascinating newspaper with their motto just under the title: "For the Burning Away of the Cobwebs of Ignorance and Superstition." and the dateline notes: "An Exponent of Anarchist - Communism. Holding that Equality of Opportunity alone Constitutes Liberty; that in the Absence of Monopoly Price and Competition Cannot Exist, and that Communism is an Inevitable Consequence."
Gregory (Union List of American Newspapers) notes that the only…

NEW YORK TRIBUNE, Feb. 12, 1876

* Evangelist Dwight L. Moody's sermon
* Preaches at P.T. Barnum's Hippodrome

The top of the 1st column of the front page has a one column heading: "THE REVIVAL'S PROGRESS" with subhead. Text takes up about 2  1/2 columns.
Other news of the day. Complete with all 8 pages, minor spine wear, nice condition.

Background: The New York City Hippodrome Campaign of 1876 stands as a pivotal moment in American religious history, marking the definitive transition of evangelism…

THE WEEKLY RECORDER, Chillicothe, Ohio, July 11, 1815  

* Very early & rare for the state of Ohio

This was one of Ohio's most important frontier and early statehood communities. Chillicothe served as the capital of the Ohio Territory and later the state itself for several periods between 1803 and 1812, making it a center of politics, commerce, and communication in the Old Northwest.
Published during the early 19th century, the Weekly Recorder was part of the rapidly expanding newspaper culture…

THE SHAKER, Shakers, New York, and Shaker Village, New Hampshire, July, 1877

* Uncommon title

A monthly publication "Published By The United Societies" for folks in the Shaker community, quite famous today for the style of furniture they produced. This issue has much religious-related content.
Eight pages measuring 13 x 10 1/2 inches, a little irregular along the spine, generally in very nice condition.

Background: This July 1877 issue of The Shaker represents a rare, primary-source artifact of…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, June 7, 1868  Page 3 has an article related to the 1st official Memorial Day which includes a touching letter from a young girl who had lost her father during the war, addressed to Col. Leaming: "Will you please put this wreath upon some rebel soldier's grave? My dear papa is buried at Andersonville, and perhaps some little girl will be kind enough to put a few flowers on his grave," signed in block type, "JENNY VERNON." It is interesting to note that they did find one…

THE NEW YORK HERALD, January 27, 1888

* Walt Whitman's "To Those Who've Fail'd"
* 1st appearance - quite rare

Page 6 has Walt Whitman's "To Those Who've Fail'd," which was a piece written exclusively for the New York Herald. The entire text reads:

 

(2) BOSTON EVENING TRANSCRIPT, November 21 & 26, 1887  The front page of the issue from the 21st has,"Fire Record," which provides an account of the devastating fire in Bridgeport, Connecticut at the winter quarters of P.T. Barnum's "Greatest Show On Earth." The issue of the 26th includes a follow-up report on page 1 which mentions the death of the famed rhinoceros, along with a more detailed account of the fire on page 5. See images for details. Great to have these reports from a major city…

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Dec. 10, 1840  Taking almost the entirety of page 2 is the President's annual state-of-the-union address, signed in type at its conclusion by: M. Van Buren. It is headed: "MESSAGE Of The President of the United States...".
As was typical with this annual tradition, President Van Buren reviewed the events of the year addressing the broad scope of work which concerned the nation in 1840.
Additionally, page 3 has a half column editorial on it, headed: "The…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Oct. 20, 1849 

* California Gold Rush
* 49ers - mining - miners

Page 3 has a terrific, nearly full column report headed: "The California Gold Region" which has much detail and fascinating accounts. Its begins: "It is now nearly two years since the discovery of the gold mines in this country...". there is too much fine content to detail here--see the photos.
Page 3 has: "Overland Travel To California" which has: "This gold excitement has caused an…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Nov. 1, 1879  The full ftpg. is a Thomas Nast political cartoon showing Blacks & captioned: "The Next Debut - Now Let General M.C. Butler, of South Carolina, Show How Bulldozing Is Done."
Prints inside include a halfpg: "The Avery Institute, Charleston, S.C."; a fullpg: "International Cricket Match at Phila." "The Ute War--Colored Troops Fighting their Way into the Beleaguered Camp" & halfpg. on 'The Ute War' plus much more.
Sixteen pages, never bound nor trimmed,…

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, May 29, 1819 and March 5, 1825  

* Precursor to the Jew Bill - extremely historic
* Equal rights for Jews - voting
* Henry Marie Brackenridge's speech

A pair of issues on the passage of the Maryland "Jew Bill".

May 29, 1819 issue: Certainly the best content is full text of the speech presented by of H.M. Brackenridge in the Maryland House of Delegates when the Jew Bill was under consideration. The text of Brackenridge's speech is headed: "Religious Liberty" and…

SPRINGFIELD REPUBLICAN, Massachusetts, Nov. 8, 1865 

* Samuel Bowles' serialized travelogue : "Across The Continent"'

Over half of the front page is taken up with a portion of the Samuel Bowles book: "ACROSS THE CONTINENT" "Letters From Mr. Bowles--No. 29" "Our Farewell to Frisco--Dinner & Ball...A final Review of the Mining Questions...Latest News from the Mines--Copper and Quicksilver--The Petroleum Questions--Oil vs. Wine--Through the Golden Gate". Fascinating reading from just after the end…

PUCK, New York, Jan. 24, 1883  

* Color political prints

Puck was a highly influential illustrated satirical magazine, famous for pioneering colorful political cartoons and sharp commentary on American politics, religion, and society. Founded by Joseph Keppler, the magazine used humor and elaborate chromolithographs to criticize corruption, political machines, monopolies, and cultural controversies. 
The key priunt is the doublepage centerfold cartoon “Gambling with Death,” which depicted a…

MASONIC MIRROR, Philadelphia & New York, Sept. 1, 1858  In the dateline is: "Devoted To The Diffusion Of Masonic Intelligence, Fine Arts, Literature, News, etc."
This little newspaper published for the Masons has a very graphic, Masonic-theme engraving in the masthead. Some masonic content but other items as well.
Twelve pages, 8 1/2 by 11 1/4 inches, great condition.

THE WORLD, New York City, March 11, 1861 

* Start of the Civil War close (Fort Sumter)
* Tensions at a boiling point in the South
* Southern slavery and the Confederacy
* History about to be made

From just weeks before the outbreak of the Civil War, this issue has some reports on the impending conflict.
The top of page 4 has a one column heading: "STATE OF THE NATION" with various subheads. (see images)
Complete with 8 pages, uncut and untrimmed, light creasing with toning and a little wear at the…

NEW YORK TIMES, April 21, 1868  

* President Andrew Johnson
* Reconstruction era impeachment trial

The entire front page is taken up with reports on the Johnson impeachment trial, with first column heads: "IMPEACHMENT" "Further Testimony Offered by the Prosecution" "All the Evidence Submitted and the Case Closed" "Arguments to be Commenced on Wednesday" "The Impeachment Trial".
Page 4 has an editorial on the impeachment trial, as well as: "The Issue In Impeachment".
Eight pages, minor light foxing,…

BOSTON GAZETTE, Jan. 12, 1807

* Edgar Allan Poe's father & mother theater ads
* "The Secret" and "Robin Hood" comedy plays 
* Eliza Arnold Hopkins Poe & David Poe Jr.

The top of page 3 under "Boston Theatre" is a  notice for the performances of "THE SECRET", with Mr. Poe as "Henry Torrid" and "ROBIN HOOD" with Mrs. Poe as "Clorinda" re. the parents of Edgar Allan Poe.
Complete with 4 pages, nice condition.

background: The performance on January 12, 1807, at the Boston Theatre serves as a vital…

THE NEW YORK HERALD, Oct. 25, 1873

* Yellow Fever epidemic of 1873
* Memphis, Tennessee & more

The top of page 4 has a one column heading: "PLAGUE-STRICKEN MEMPHIS" with subheads. (see images) Text takes up over 1 1/2 columns.
Complete with 12 pages, very minor margin wear, nice condition.

Background: The 1873 Mississippi Valley yellow fever epidemic was a devastating outbreak that primarily struck river cities such as Memphis, Vicksburg, and New Orleans, killing thousands and causing widespread…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 27, 1817 

* Grand Lodge of Massachusetts notice
* Masonic - Masons - Freemasonry - Freemasons
* The Elephant 'Columbus' engraving
* Asian Pachyderm from India on display
* First ever male exhibited in America 

The front page has a notice for a upcoming meeting headed: "Grand Lodge of Massachusetts" Also contains the seal of the lodge. (see image)
Page 3 has a 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 inch notice for an exhibition of "The Elephant Columbus", which includes an engraving of an…

NEW YORK TRIBUNE, Feb. 28, 1876

* Evangelist Dwight L. Moody's sermon
* Preaches at P.T. Barnum's Hippodrome

The top of page 2 has a one column heading: "TURNING MEN TO CHRIST" with subhead. Text takes up almost 2 full columns.
Other news of the day. Complete with all 8 pages, very minor spine wear, nice condition.

Background: The New York City Hippodrome Campaign of 1876 stands as a pivotal moment in American religious history, marking the definitive transition of evangelism from rural "tent…

GUNNISON DAILY REVIEW, Colorado, Dec. 28, 1881

* Rare Old West title
* Volume 1 issue

An uncommon title from this boom mining town in the southwestern quadrant of Colorado, tucked in a valley amidst the Rocky Mountains.
Gunnison boomed in the late 1870's and early 1880's and was once the home of Wyatt Earp and "Texas Jack". Today there are some 5500 residents of Gunnison.
This is a volume I issue of this early and uncommon title from Colorado. Four pages, a little irregular along the spine with a…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, August 12, 1878

* Wallingford, Connecticut
* F4 tornado storm disaster

The top of the front page has a one column heading: "THE RUIN AT WALLINGFORD" with subheads. (see images)
Complete with 8 pages, good condition.

Background: The Wallingford tornado struck Connecticut in 1878, killing 29 people and injuring over 70, making it the deadliest tornado in the state's history. Likely an F4 in strength, it carved a half-mile-wide path through Wallingford, destroying homes, churches,…

THE WOMAN'S JOURNAL, Boston, Sept. 18, 1880

* Rare publication
* Women's suffrage

Rare women's suffrage paper founded in 1870, produced by--among others--Lucy Stone, Alice Blackwell, Julia Ward Howe, and Mary Livermore. Published: "...to the interests of Woman, to her educational, industrial, legal & political Equality, & especially to her right of Suffrage" as noted on the front page.
Of course, the majority of the articles have to do with women's rights.
Eight pages, a few tiny binding holes and…

HOUSEHOLD WORDS, London, England, Dec. 14, 1850

* Charles Dickens publication

This 24 page issue is in nice condition and measures 6 x 9 inches. This was a weekly journal which was conducted by Charles Dickens as noted in the masthead. This magazine has mainly literary reading (stories, poems etc.), some by Charles Dickens himself.

Background: The historical significance of Household Words lies in its role as a bridge between the high-brow Victorian literary world and the emerging mass-market…

NEW-YORK TIMES, Sept. 23, 1870  Page 3 has: "Base-Ball The Championship Contest--Mutual vs. Atlantic--The Mutuals Win the Champion Pennant --Score 10 to 4". The summary (see) mentions that there was: "...a very large gathering of spectators on the Union Grounds...despite the fact that the admission fee was double the usual charge." Also says there was the largest gathering of fence peepers ever seen at a baseball match, and because there was such an interest in the game: "...the telegraph…

SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, March 30, 1878

* Historic Phonograph invention
* Thomas Edison - inventor

Page 3 has a nice 4 1/2 by 4 1/2 inch illustration of Edison's recent invention--the phonograph. Amazed by this uncomplicated apparatus, the report begins: "It is a peculiar feature of the Edison phonograph that no mere description can impart any real adequate idea of its performances. Fully familiar as we are and have been with the machine since its inception, it is still impossible for us to…

THE DUBUQUE HERALD, Iowa, Jan. 5, 1879 to Jan. 28, 1879

* Uncommon Midwestern publication
* Lot of 17 consecutive issues sill bound
* Missing dates Jan. 10 & Jan. 11
* From Dec. 21, 1878 to Jan. 4, 1879

These (17) uncommon 4 page issues have news of the day with several interesting advertisements, many which are illustrated. 
All issues are complete with 4 pages, larger than normal sized paper which measures 27 x 22 inches, light toning and minor wear at the margins, , generally nice. Should be…

SAN DIEGO DAILY UNION, California, Jan. 3, 1872  Very early from San Diego--a volume 2 issue--when the population was just 2,300, with a nice engraving of the harbor in the masthead.  All four pages have various news tidbits of the day, including local, regional, and national reports. A great wealth of advertisements as well, several of which are illustrated.
Four pages, 11 3/4 by 17 3/4 inches, printed on high-quality newsprint, very nice condition.

THE TIMES, London, May 8, 1840

* The disappearance of Father Thomas
* Led to the severe Jewish persecution
* Profoundly historic - notorious instance of Judaica "blood libel"

On page 5, under the unassuming heading, "MONEY-MARKET AND CITY INTELLIGENCE", is the inconspicuous but noteworthy report which includes in part: "

The issue is complete in eight pages, is printed on high-quality newsprint, and is in very good condition. A rare and historic issue.
A related post is available on the History's…

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, July 27, 1822  

* Denmark Vesey slave rebellion... free black man in Charleston, SC
* The 1820  state-by-state slave population and projection for 1830
* Steamboat Robert Fulton, 1st built for ocean travel

The most historic item is found on the back page: a report of the Denmark Vesey slave revolt, noting that eight slaves were executed in Charleston.
The report has a small heading: "South Carolina", followed by updated particulars regarding the slave revolt. See…

BOSTON GAZETTE, April 10, 1809 

* Edgar Allan Poe's mother theater ad (Eliza Arnold Hopkins Poe)

A curious literary item here as the top of page 3 has an advertisement for the "Boston Theatre" for the performance of: "BARBAROSSA", a theatrical performance, with one of the actors being Edgar Allan Poe's mother ("Mrs. Poe) playing "Irene" (see image)
News of the day and other interesting advertisements. Four pages, nice condition.

Background: In the spring of 1809, just months after the birth of her…

THE OHIO SPY, Springfield, December, 1877  This is a product of the amateur press, an avocation for amateur printers which was popular in the latter part of the 19th century. They were typically small in size and short-lived.
Four pages, 7 1/4 by 10 1/4 inches, very nice condition.

Background: The historical significance of The Ohio Spy (December 1877) lies in its status as a preserved artifact of the Amateur Press Movement, a post-Civil War phenomenon that represents arguably the first distinct…

NEW YORK TRIBUNE, Nov. 22, 1875  

* Ira D. Sankey & Dwight Lyman Moody
* Evangelist - Evangelism - sermons

Page 2 has two columns taken up with: "MOODY AND SANKEY" "A Wonderful Beginning in the New Field".
This is on  Dwight L. Moody, a notable American evangelist, and Ira D. Sankey, an American gospel singer and composer, known for his long association with Dwight L. Moody in a series of religious revival campaigns in America and Britain during the closing decades of the 19th century.
Eight pages,…

THE DEMOCRATIC WATCHMAN, Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, July 31, 1885 

* General Ulysses S. Grant death w/ portrait print

The most notable content is on page 2 which features a print of President Ulysses S. Grant headed: "THE ILLUSTRIOUS DEAD ! " and captioned: "The Sad Story of His Last Hours--Scene at the Death Bed When the Flame of Life Flickered Out".
The article is very descriptive, headed: "Nearing the End - Scene in the Chamber of Death--How General Grant Passed Away". And page4 has half a…

NEW YORK TRIBUNE, Jan. 12, 1861  

* America preparing for Civil War
* Abraham Lincoln as president-elect
* Florida and Alabama leave the Union

Items inside include: "Martin Van Buren's Opinion of Lincoln" "Startling Evidence of Treason" "the Pony Express" "The Pro-Slavery Rebellion" "Secession of Florida" "Expulsion Of Traitors" "Firmness of the President" "Secession of Alabama" "Firing on the Star of the West" and more.
Eight pages, indents at the blank spine from disbinding, a few discreet…

BOSTON EVENING TRANSCRIPT, July 17, 1882

* Mary Todd Lincoln death (1st report)

Page 4 has report under: "Recent Deaths" which begins with: "Mrs. Lincoln, widow of the late President Lincoln, died in Springfield, Ill., at 8:15 last night..."
Complete with 8 pages, a little irregular along the spine, nice condition.

background: Mary Todd Lincoln passed away on the evening of July 16, 1882, at the age of 63, in the Springfield, Illinois home of her sister, Elizabeth Edwards—the very…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York,  June 5, 1875  Full front pg. Nast illus. of "Captured At Last." (Phil Sheridan). Inside is a 2/3 pg. illus. of "The New Arctic Expedition-The "Alert" and the "Discovery"." Six illus. pertaining to "The Fulton Street Prayer Meeting-North Dutch Church."
Doublepage centerfold of "The Last Muster." Full pg. Nast illus. of "This Tub Has No Bottom to Stand on." 2/3 pg. illus. of "Venetian Loafers." Also, a 1/4 pg. portrait of "Henry Ward Beecher."
Complete in sixteen pages.

NEW YORK TRIBUNE, Aug. 9, 1865

* Civil War reconstruction era
* Negroes in the Southern States

The top of the back page has a small heading: "From Mississippi" "Southern Opinion of the Negro..." (see images) 
The front page column heads include: "FROM TEXAS" "Proclamation by Gov. Hamilton" "Recent Order to Gen. Sheridan" "Two-Thirds of His Army to be Mustered Out" "SARATOGA RACES" "The Cup Won by Kentucky" and much more. The back page has a report of a baseball game, with the box…

AI ANGLO SACSUN, New York, May 29, 1847  

* Promoting the spelling of words phonetically

Here is one of the more fascinating newspapers that was in the private collection.
This newspaper--which is volume 1, number 11--attempted to exploit a movement to spell words phonetically, just as they sounded. So their motto in the dateline is: "Devoted Tu Ai Difyushun ov Nolej and Nuz, Tru Ai Medium of Fonotipi, or the Tru System ov Spelin Wurdz As Iz, Just Az ae are Pronnst." (difficult to translate as…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., March 5, 1841  

* President William Henry Harrison inauguration
* Inaugural address - best title to be had (rare)

Perhaps the best newspaper to be had on the inauguration of William Henry Harrison as the nation's ninth President, this being the premier newspaper from the nation's capital. 
Most of page 2 is taken up with: "THE INAUGURAL ADDRESS of Gen. William Henry Harrison, March 4, 1841, On entering Upon the Duties of the office of…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 23, 1803 

* The Louisiana Purchase Treaty
* Signed by U.S. & France ministers

Page 2 has: "By the President of the United States...A PROCLAMATION" calling for a special session of Congress, signed in type: Th. Jefferson.
This is followed by a very historic report headed: "Louisiana - Official" which mentions in part: "Dispatches from the American ministers at Paris...contain the treaty, signed on April 30th which conveys Louisiana to the United…

THE ENGLISH CHRONICLE & WHITEHALL EVENING POST, London, England, Oct. 4, 1803  One of the less common titles of early 19th century England, this issue added to the private collection because of the nice engraving in the masthead. This is the first of this title we have offered.
Various reports of the day including many with a military theme. Page 2 has mention of Admiral Nelson.
Four pages, very nice condition.

Background: The English Chronicle and the Whitehall Evening Post were…

THE NEW YORK HERALD, November 29, 1891 

* Stephen Crane
* Writer and illustrator (unsigned)
* Only 19 years old

Nearly all of page 23 is dedicated to: "TENT LIFE AT OCEAN GROVE". Subheadings include: "Old Ways and Amusements of the People Who Spend the Summer at the Great Camp Meeting Resort", "UNDER IRON-CLAD RULE", "PIETY IS IN THE AIR", and more. See images for this intriguing article written and illustrated by 19-year old Stephen Crane. The article would look great framed.

SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, January 11, 1879   The front page has various scenes from inside a Tobacco Factory.  Inside contains images and text re:  "A Three Legged Woodcock", "...The Tanks of the Brighton Aquarium", "The Chichester Water tower", and more.  Period advertising is present throughout.
Complete in 16 pages, measures about 11 by 15.5 inches, in very nice condition.
Background (Moses Farmer):
In 1859, American inventor Moses Farmer achieved a historic milestone by lighting…

NEW YORK DAILY TRIBUNE, August 26, 1865

* Horace Greeley letter - his opinion of African Americans
* Andersonville prison trial... Henry Wirz

The most historically significant content is the intriguing letter on page 4: "A Letter To the Hon. A. O. P. Nicholson", signed in type: H. G., for Horace Greeley.
Following the end of the Civil War, this discussion addressed the physical, intellectual, and emotional condition of African Americans now that they were free. The exchange with Nicholson, often…