Historic Newspapers: New Additions

PATTERSON EVENING NEWS, New Jersey, March 20, 1899 

* Martha Place dies in electric chair 
* First Woman executed this way 
* Early, same day report - Sing Sing Prison 

The Paterson Evening News was a prominent, independent daily newspaper published in Paterson, New Jersey, throughout the turn of the 20th century. Editions from 1899 chronicled the daily civic events, politics, and rapid industrial growth of the "Silk City" during a dynamic era of local history.
The top of the front page has a one…

Sunday CALENDAR SECTION only of the Los Angeles Times, Aug. 18, 1991

* African American artist David Hammons

Often revered as the undisputed "bible" of Hollywood, the Sunday Calendar section occupied a rare space in journalism where a single publication could simultaneously dictate global entertainment trends and govern the inner workings of show business. Today, physical copies are an absolute rarity, largely because they were printed on standard, ephemeral newsprint designed to be devoured and…

THE DETROIT FREE PRESS, June 13, 1964 

* Sister Lakes, Michigan 
* The Dewey Lake Monster 
* Bigfoot - Sasquatch - Cryptid  
* "Monster Town, U.S.A."

The front page has a banner heading: "''Beast Town' Booms: Get Your Monster Kit (7.95)" (see images)
Complete with all 30+ pages, light toning at the margins, tiny binding holes along the spine, generally in nice condition.

Background: The June 1964 flap surrounding the Sister Lakes (or Dewey Lake) Monster represents a fascinating moment in mid-century…

LOS ANGELES TIMES, Sept. 7, 1985 

* Richard Ramirez murders - killings
* The "Night Stalker" valley intruder
* re. arraignment - best title to be had 

This issue has reporting on the "Night Stalker" murder case of Richard Ramirez with a front page of section II heading: "Ramirez Defense: Publicity Effect Cited" Ramirez was captured just 7 days prior. Great to have this report in a Los Angeles newspaper, the city which he terrorized for over a year. 
I suspect this to be an extremely rare item…

THE VILLAGE VOICE (weekly), Greenwich Village, New York City, May 12 & 19 , 1981

* The week Madonna Louise Ciccone became "MADONNA"
* Extremely early Madonna events in social media
* Pre-solo & SOLO START performance advertisements 
* Her band "Emmy & The Emmys" (guitarist & vocals)
* First "Madonna" printed in a publication ?
* Singer - songwriter - actress & more
* "Emmy" was a nickname given to her in NYC

Page 123 of the May 12th issue has an advertisement for upcoming performances at the Max's…

LOS ANGELES TIMES, Nov. 15, 1979

* Sir Anthony Blunt loses knighthood
* Queen Elizabeth's aide is Soviet spy

The front page has a banner headline: "Queen's Aide a Russ Spy" with lead-in: "STRIPPED OF KNIGHTHOOD" with subhead and photo. (see images) 
Complete 1st section only with all 24 pages, nice condition.

Background: The most notable content surrounding Anthony Blunt’s public downfall and the stripping of his knighthood centers on Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s shocking 1979 reveal that the…

LOS ANGELES TIMES, Nov. 14, 1979 

* Jimmy Carter's executive order 12170
* Freezes Iranian government assets - $$
* re. U.S. Embassy American hostages crisis 

The front page has a banner headline: "U.S. Freezes Iran Assets" with lead-in: "BILLIONS IN BANKS" with subhead and related photo. (see images) 
Complete 1st section only with 28 pages, nice condition.

Background: On November 14, 1979, President Jimmy Carter issued Executive Order 12170, freezing approximately $12 billion in official Iranian…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, August 15, 1969 

* Woodstock music festival
* Arriving at Bethel, New York
* Prime of the hippie generation
* Sex, Drugs and rock & roll

If there were a collection of newspapers which defined the counterculture movement of the 1960's, this issue must be among them. The Woodstock Music Festival, late summer of 1969, brought the turbulent decade of the '60's to a close. Rolling Stone magazine listed it as one of the 50 moments that changed the history of rock & roll. The festival…

LOS ANGELES TIMES, March 27, 1995 

* Eazy-E death from the AIDS epidemic 
* West Coast gangsta rapper - N.W.A. 
* "Niggaz Wit Attitudes" hip-hop group

The front page of section B has a one column heading: "Rapper With AIDS Dies at 31" with subhead. Coverage continues inside this section with photo. (see images) Great to have from the city where he lived and died.
I suspect this to be an extremely rare item because their was really no reason to save it at the time.
Complete with 60+ pages, nice…

Sunday CALENDAR SECTION only of the Los Angeles Times, March 25, 1990 

* Hip Hop group "2 Live Crew" rap music 
* "As Nasty As They Wanna Be" album
* Luther Campbell & First Amendment 
* Obscenity censorship ban question 

Often revered as the undisputed "bible" of Hollywood, the Sunday Calendar section occupied a rare space in journalism where a single publication could simultaneously dictate global entertainment trends and govern the inner workings of show business. Today, physical copies are an…

LOS ANGELES TIMES, Feb. 8, 1995

* Tupac Shakur 2Pac sentenced
* Sexual assault in Manhattan
* American rapper and actor

Page 4 has a somewhat discrete report with one column heading: "Rapper Shakur Gets Prison for Assault" (see image)
Great to have this report in a newspaper from the home of the entertainment industry.
Provenance note: This issue comes from The Los Angeles Times own archives, part of their in-house collection used to create their digital archive. 
I suspect this to be an extremely

Sunday edition CALENDAR SECTION only of the Los Angeles Times, Oct. 7, 1990 

* Walt Disney's "Fantasia" 50th anniversary
* Animated musical with Mickey Mouse 
* Sam Kinison - Stand-up Comedian
* Los Angeles performance advertisement

Often revered as the undisputed "bible" of Hollywood, the Sunday Calendar section occupied a rare space in journalism where a single publication could simultaneously dictate global entertainment trends and govern the inner workings of show business. Today, physical…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, December 10, 1944 

* General George S. Patton 
* World War II - WWII
* Battle of the Bulge prelude

The top of the front page has a five column headline: "3D ARMY DRIVES NORTH FOR SAAR AFTER JUNCTION OF TWO DIVISIONS" with subheads that include: "MAGINOT LINE CUT" and more with related map headed: "Patton's Men Hammer Out New Gains In Saar". Related photo on page 3. See photos for partial coverage of Patton's movements within a week prior to the Battle of the Bulge.
Other news,…

SECTION 2 only of the New York Times, December 10, 1944

* Christmas appeal 
* Several case examples
* Winter time poverty
* World War II era 

The front page of this section has a banner headline: "NEW YORK'S 100 NEEDIEST CASES" with related illustration. (see images) Lengthy text with many cases continues on the following pages with two more related illustrations. Nice for display.
Other topics throughout. Complete section 2 only with all 14 pages, rag edition in very nice condition.

Background: The…

THE DAY, New London, Conn., July 25, 1927 

* Gangster Charles Birger sentenced to death
* Prohibition era bootlegger - guilty of murder

The front page has a one column heading: "Defiant Gunman Faces Nose (sic) for Killing Mayor" (see images) 
 Complete with all 12 pages, light toning, some small binding holes along the spine, nice condition.

Background: On July 24, 1927, after a brief deliberation, a Franklin County jury returned a guilty verdict against infamous Prohibition-era bootlegger Charles…

NEW YORK WORLD-TELEGRAM, September 7, 1939 

* Blitzkrieg - Warsaw about to fall
* World War II WWII beginning 
* Nazis invasion on Poland & more

The front page features a banner headline: "FRENCH GAIN ON WEST FRONT" with subheads and two photos, one showing Polish prisoners kept behind barbed wire. (see images)
Complete with 30+ pages, light toning and a little wear at the margins, some small binding holes along the spine, generally in nice condition.

background: On September 7, 1939, just a week…

Sunday CALENDAR SECTION only of the Los Angeles Times, Aug. 11, 1991 

* "Metallica" heavy metal band w/ photo 
* Eve of the release of "The Black Album"
* Attempt to go mainstream - radio play 
* "Enter Sandman" "Nothing Else Matters"
* James Hetfield - Kirk Hammett - Lars Ulrich 

Often revered as the undisputed "bible" of Hollywood, the Sunday Calendar section occupied a rare space in journalism where a single publication could simultaneously dictate global entertainment trends and govern the inner…

LOS ANGLES TIMES, Aug. 14, 1995 

* Mickey Mantle death - "Commerce Comet"
* New York Yankees center fielder - No. 7
* MLB - Major League Baseball (1951-1968)
* Alcoholism - liver cirrhosis and cancer 

The top of the front page has a three column pictorial headed: "Mickey Mantle, 1931-1995" and one column heading: "Baseball Great Mickey Mantle Dies of Cancer" And the front page of the sports section has a three column heading: "The Best Memory of Mantle Is Taken From Player's Past" with photo. More…

LOS ANGLES TIMES, Jan. 23, 2005 

* Popular social networking website in its infancy
* "Thefacebook" (Facebook) (Meta) hits college campuses 
* A young 20 year old Mark Zuckerberg dorm photo
* Donald Trump gets married for the 3rd time
* Melania Knauss - Slovene-born fashion model

The front page has a two column heading: "'Hi, What's Your Major?' Is Reinvented on Website" which continues inside with another heading: "Site Intrigues Collegians Across U.S." with two related photos, one showing a young…

THE SPRINGFIELD UNION, Mass. Aug. 15, 1968 

* Disneyland Resort theme park excursion trip disaster 
* Los Angeles Airways (LAA) helicopter crash in Compton

The front page has a four column headline: "21 Lose Lives in Crash Of Disneyland 'Copter" with subhead and related photo. Coverage continues inside with another photo. (see images) 
Complete with all 58 pages, light toning at the margins, nice condition.

Background: The August 14, 1968 crash of Los Angeles Airways (LAA) Flight 417—a Sikorsky…

Sunday CALENDAR SECTION only of the Los Angeles Times, Oct. 18, 1981 

* Very early "Motley Crue" on the Sunset Strip
* American heavy metal - hard rock band 
* Roxy Theatre nightclub advertisement 
* Future attractions w/ Motley Crue/Dokken
* Birth of the "Hair" bands of the 1980's 

Often revered as the undisputed "bible" of Hollywood, the Sunday Calendar section occupied a rare space in journalism where a single publication could simultaneously dictate global entertainment trends and govern the…

THE BETHLEHEM GLOBE TIMES, Pennsylvania, November 29, 1926

* Carnegie Tech (Mellon)
* Notre Dame Fighting Irish - NCAA football
* 1 of the greatest upsets (Monday 1st report)
* Knute Rockne skips game (mistake)

This 20 page newspaper has sports reporting under "SEASON OF THRILLS IN FOOTBALL WORLD" and more which includes news of the huge upset of Notre Dame by Carnegie Tech. Knute Rockne decided to attend the Army-Navy game thinking his squad would easily handle Tech without him.

This game is…

HARPER'S MONTHLY, Nov., 1887  This complete, illustration-rich issue features an expansive 24-page feature article titled "A Santa Barbara Holiday" by Edwards Roberts. This extensive travelogue is lavishly illustrated with 13 detailed engravings, most notably featuring a magnificent, highly displayable full-page print capturing a panoramic view of Santa Barbara exactly as it stood in 1887.

It is great to have first-hand documentation of Southern California during the legendary "Boom of the

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Oct. 16, 1764  Page 3 has a report headed: "America" with a Boston dateline concerning coal mining in Nova Scotia. The back page has reports noting: "...expected that...the removal of some grievances from the trade of North America as we are informed orders for that purpose were dispatched about 3 weeks ago. They write from New York that the greatest number of pack-horse traders were preparing to set out for the Indian countries in consequence of the present…

LOS ANGELES TIMES, Aug. 15, 1985 

* Richard Ramirez murders (early)
* The "Night Stalker" valley intruder - killer

This issue has reporting on the "Night Stalker" murder case of Richard Ramirez with a front page of section II heading: "Detectives Link 7th Slaying to 'Intruder'" (see images) This was a time where they stilled called the unknown killer (Ramirez) as the "Valley Intruder" before the term "Night Stalker" began. Great to have this report in a Los Angeles newspaper, the city which he…

THE DAILY DELTA, New Orleans, Sept. 4, 1850  Newspapers from the pre-Civil War South are rather difficult to find. Here is one from Louisiana.
Among the many page 3 ads is one headed: "Slaves! Slaves!! Slaves!!!" which notes in part: "The subscribers are prepared to receive, on consignment, for sale in this market, any number of slaves, having one of the best showrooms in the city, & large & comfortable quarters where every attention will be paid to their comfort. Merchants, planters, and…

THE DAILY DELTA, New Orleans, Sept. 14, 1850  

* Rare antebellum publication
* From the deep, deep South

Newspapers from the pre-Civil War South are rather difficult to find. Here is one from Louisiana.
The front page has an illustrated ad: "$20 Reward" for a runaway mulatto boy. Inside are ads for: "Negro Clothing" two more reward ads for a runaway, and an ad headed: "One Negro Man" among other items being auctioned, noting of him: "A certain negro man, slave for life, named William, aged about

LOS ANGELES TIMES, Nov. 6, 1985  This issue documents the passing of a transformative religious leader who fundamentally reshaped the modern trajectory of his faith. 
The front page features a significant report headed: "Spencer W. Kimball, 90, Dies; Led Mormon Church", which is followed by a few paragraphs of supporting text. The extensive coverage continues on page 22, taking up a full column and featuring a photograph detailing his peaceful passing the prior evening in Salt Lake City at the…

LOS ANGELES TIMES, Dec. 25, 2009 (Front and Calendar sections)

* 2nd week ad for Avatar
* Premiere ad & review of Sherlock Holmes and It's Complicated
* Many other Christmas weekend ads for blockbuster movies

A terrific issue on the premiere of the motion picture hits "Sherlock Holmes and It's Complicated", which includes full-page ads and reviews of each. Also present are large ads for "AVATAR" , (2nd week), "Nine", "Up in the Air" (a double-page ad), "Did You Here About the Morgans", "Crazy…

MIST'S WEEKLY JOURNAL, London, March 25, 1727  

* Death of Sir Issac Newton (very rare)

When it comes to notable deaths of the world, they don't get too much better than this.
Page 2 has a simple, yet powerful report noting simply: "Died, Sir Isaac Newton, the greatest Mathematician that the World ever knew."
Isaac Newton was an English mathematician, physicist, astronomer, alchemist, theologian, and author widely recognized as one of the greatest mathematicians and physicists of all time and…

NEW YORK HERALD, July 27, 1863  

* Siege of Morris Island, South Carolina
* 54th Mass. Infantry Black Regiment  

Among the front page column heads on the Civil War: "Important From Charleston" "Siege of Fort Wagner on Morris Island" "The Rebels Make A Sortie & Are Worsted" "Repulse of the Enemy on James Island" "The Casualties" "Our Loss About 12,000..." "Rebels Expect Charleston to be Taken" "Fort Wagner Silenced & the Colored Shot Away" and much more.
Among these reports are several mentions of…

SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, Sept. 17, 1898  A very significant issue in the history of automobiles, as the noted reference work "Kane's Famous First Facts" records that the first automobile advertisement ever published in America is on the back page (not the very first appearance, which was in the July 30, 1898 issue). 

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Aug. 16, 1781  

* Revolutionary War events in the South

Page 2 has some reports on the Revolutionary War, bits including: Letters from Charlestown [Charleston] say that the great activity of Lord Rawdon...is likely to surmount the difficulties they have had to encounter...purpose to overtake them & to scour the country which bids fair to put an end to that petty warfare...reasons at large for refusing the permit Congress money to pass in his lines, denying the…

THE NEW WORLD, Philadelphia, Feb. 27, 1797  

* President George Washington 
* 64th birthday celebration & dinner

A quite scarce title, and until a recent find, the very first we have offered in our 44 years. It published for exactly one year.
Page 2 has over a full column on the: "Celebration" of Washington's 65th birthday, including the 16 toasts and much more. Also an article: "The President's Birth Day".
Page 3 has a report from the Treasury Dept. followed by a notice: "The President of the…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Feb. 19, 1794  

* Thomas Paine stuck in France 
* Luxembourg Prison in Paris 
* During the "Reign of Terror"

A page 3 item says: "Mr. Thomas Paine... has petitioned the National Convention of France for liberty to retire to the United States; but the prayer of his petition has been rejected. His friends in Philadelphia are soliciting some appointment for him under the United States, as a mean to effect his regress from France." 
Four pages, very nice condition.

Background:…

NEW YORK WEEKLY DAY-BOOK CAUCASIAN, June 10, 1865  

* Lincoln assassins trial
* Rare pro-white title
* Reconstruction era

A decidedly racist newspaper which began well before the Civil War & lasted a few years after. As such, their reporting on war events provide a contrasting perspective beyond most other Northern newspapers.
Among the reports: "The Assassination Trial" "The Military Court in Washington" "Continuation of the Proceedings" "Executions For Treason" "General Sherman's Report" takes…

THE BETHLEHEM GLOBE-TIMES, Pennsylvania, August 4, 1936 

* Jesse Owens shines in track & field
* Wins gold medal in the broad (long) jump 
* Olympic games in Berlin Germany
* In front of Adolf Hitler & Third Reich

The front page has one column headings that include: "JESSE OWENS BREAKS BROAD JUMP RECORD" "Leaps 26 Feet 5 1-3 Inches Beating Record of Edward Hamm in 1928". More Olympic news in the sports section including one column headings: "Owens Sets New Time In 200 Meters Heat" and more.
Complete…

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., April 27, 1848  


* Early in Abraham Lincoln's political career

This newspaper contains on the front page reports from the: "House of Representatives" which includes the results of a vote showing under the "yeas" the name "Lincoln" inconspicuously listed among many others. Plus page 3 has additional coverage from the House of Representatives which includes Lincoln's name under the "Nays" list of those who voted against an motion (see).
In 1846 Lincoln ran…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, March 22, 1783  

* Plight of the British loyalists 
* American Revolutionary War

Two-thirds of the front page are taken up with: "Motion For Considering the Report on the American Trade Bill" in the House of Commons. Mention of the first trade ship from the U.K. to America.
The back page has a letter form Nova Scotia noting: "...arrived...above 400 refugees from New York; they are amply furnished with a year's provision & some materials for building & are promised…

NEW YORK WEEKLY TRIBUNE, Nov. 29, 1862  

* Pre-Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia 

Among the front page column heads on the Civil War: "FROM GENERAL BURNSIDE'S ARMY" "The Enemy Still Actively Fortifying Their Position" "Reported Arrival of Bragg's Troops" "Arrival of Northern Ladies from Fredericksburg" "Bitter Hostility of the Women of the City" "REBEL ATTACK ON NEW BERN" "A Rally & The Rebels Repulsed" and more.
Eight pages, close-trimming along the left margin, otherwise in good condition.

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, a pair of consecutive issues dated Oct. 3 and 10, 1818  

 * Constitution of the State of Illinois

Inside has: "Naval Court" which takes two pages & is signed: J. Chauncey. Also: "Arbuthnot and Armbrister" & "Treasury Circular".
Taking 4 pages in the Oct. 3 issue is the: "Constitution of Illinois" which concludes in the first 3 pages of the Oct. 10 issue.
Also in the Oct. 10 issue is: "President Adams' Correspondence" "Wealth of Virginia" "Indian Lands" "Travelers…

THE RURAL MAGAZINE OR VERMONT REPOSITORY, (Rutland), February, 1795  A quite uncommon title that existed for just two years, from January, 1795 thru December, 1796. The table of contents is on the back page.
This issue is disbound, likely had wrappers at one time, now just the half title page. Complete in 56 pages, rounded corners with mild wear at the margins, various foxing within.

Background: Modeled directly after Mathew Carey’s influential American Museum, the February 1795 issue (Volume 1,…

THE DAILY STATE REGISTER, Carson City, Nevada, Dec. 11, 1872  Situated just east of Lake Tahoe at the western "elbow" of the state, this issue from its heyday during the mining era has various news, ads and notices on the front page, with much news on pages 2 and3.
Carson City is named for the famed mountain man Kit Carson & is about 30 miles south of Reno. It originated as a stopover for California bound emigrants, but developed into a city with the Comstock Lode, a silver strike in the…

NEW YORK TRIBUNE, Feb. 25, 1865  

* Prelude to Abraham Lincoln's assassination ?
* Captain John Yates Beall execution - hanging
* Actor and assassin John Wilkes Booth's friend

Among the front page one column heads on the Civil War are: "The Fall of Wilmington" "Official Dispatches to the Navy Dept." "A Large Number of Prisoners Captured" "The Rebels Evacuate the City Tues. Night" "They Are Being Rapidly Pursued" "Late Rebel News" and more.
But perhaps the most intriguing article, which takes almost…

THE COMMERCIAL APPEAL, Memphis, Tennessee, Sept. 14, 1901  This is one of the more dramatic issues we have seen on the death of President William McKinley with the banner headline: "PRESIDENT M'KINLEY DEAD" and a huge, full-figure print of him in black, captioned: "Wm. McKinley, Born Jan. 9, 1843 - Died Sept. 14, 1901".
Various related subheads including: "Bullet of the Assassin Proved But Too True" "The End Came at 2:15 O'Clock" "Last Words To His Wife" "It Is God's Way--Let His Will, Not…

FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, June 27, 1796  Curiously, five different type fonts are used to print the title in the masthead. 
This issue has no fewer than five ads for runaway slaves, each with details. The back page has 18 illustrated ship ads.
Four pages, two small binding holes near the spine, nice condition.