Historic Newspapers: Search Results

THE RECORD, Moore, Oklahoma, March 6, 1903  

* Pre-Statehood - territorial publication

This is actually a "territorial" newspaper, as Oklahoma did not become a state until 1907, one of only 3 of the contiguous 48 to join the union in the 20th century (New Mexico & Arizona the other two).

This newspaper apparently only lasted a year, with no institutional holdings outside of Oklahoma.

The front page has the text of a Proclamation signed in type by: Theodore Roosevelt. Many illustrations within.

A…

THE DETROIT FREE PRESS, Nov. 20, 1929

* Bethany, Oklahoma County
* F4 tornado storm disaster 

The front page has a one column heading: "17 KILLED, 100 INJURED BY TORNADO" with subhead. (see images)
Complete with all 28 pages, light toning and minor wear at the margins, generally nice.

Background:On November 19, 1930, a powerful F4 tornado struck Bethany, Oklahoma, leaving a trail of destruction across the town in less than half an hour. The tornado, which moved north-northeast from…

ALBANY EVENING NEWS, New York, November 19, 1930

* Bethany, Oklahoma
* Camel Creek tornado disaster

The 64 page newspaper has one column headlines on the front page that include:  "TEN KILLED BY TORNADO IN OKLAHOMA", "25 Reported Inured as Windstorm Strikes Town of Bethany" and more.

Tells of the tornado outbreak in Oklahoma which destroyed the town of Bethany Oklahoma.

Other news of the day throughout including various advertisements. Light browning, minor spine wear but…

LEOMINSTER DAILY ENTERPRISE, Massachusetts, December 18, 1929 

* McAlester, Oklahoma mining disaster 
* Old Town Mine 

The front page has a three column headline: "47 BODIES RECOVERED AFTER OKLAHOMA MINE EXPLOSION" with subhead. (see) 1st report coverage on the explosion at the Old Town mine in McAlester, Oklahoma.
Other news, sports and advertisements of the day. Complete in 10 pages, good condition.

THE NEW YORK TIMES, December 18, 1929 

* McAlester, Oklahoma mining disaster 
* Old Town Mine explosion

The front page has a one column heading: "OKLAHOMA BLAST ENTOMBS 59 MINERS" with subheads. (see) First report coverage on the explosion at the Old Town mine in McAlester, Oklahoma. Always nice to have notable events in history reported in this World famous publication.
Other news, sports and advertisements of the day. Complete with all 54 pages, light toning at the margins, a little…

THE RECORD, Moore, Oklahoma, June 5, 1903 

* Pre-statehood

Early newspapers from Oklahoma are very difficult to come by, primarily due to the territory being relatively unsettled through the 19th century. Created from a combination of the Oklahoma Territory and the Indian Territory, it did not become a state until 1907.
Eight pages, various news tidbits and a variety of literary items, plus advertisements. Measures 11 by 15 inches, some minor margin tears and a few small, archival…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, Feb. 4, 1934

* The Big Sapulpa Shootout of 1934 - Oklahoma
* Outlaw Aussie Elliott gunfight vs. police

The front page has a one column heading: "FOUR DIE IN BATTLE IN RAID ON BANDITS" with subheads. (see)
Complete 1st section only with all 34 pages, rag edition in great condition.

wikipedia notes: Despite the extensive manhunt by authorities, Elliott refused to flee Oklahoma and, along with bandits Raymond Moore, and Eldon Wilson, was found by police, acting on…

THE SPRINGFIELD UNION, Mass., April 28, 1942

* Pryor Creek, Oklahoma tornado disaster

The top of the front page has a two column headline: "MANY KILLED BY TORNADO IN OKLAHOMA" with subheads (see images)
Complete with 20 pages, light toning at the margins, nice condition.

background: The 1942 Pryor tornado was a devastating tornado that struck Pryor, Oklahoma, on April 27, 1942. It was part of a larger outbreak of severe weather across the region. This tornado caused significant…

THE RECORD, Moore, Oklahoma, June 12, 1903 

* Pre-statehood

Early newspapers from Oklahoma are very difficult to come by, primarily due to the territory being relatively unsettled through the 19th century. Created from a combination of the Oklahoma Territory and the Indian Territory, it did not become a state until 1907.
Eight pages, various news tidbits and a variety of literary items, plus advertisements. Measures 11 by 15 inches, some minor margin tears and a few small, archival…

SPRINGFIELD REPUBLICAN, Massachusetts, May 22, 1916

* Kemp, Oklahoma, Bryan County
* Tornado disaster (1st report)

This 14 page newspaper has one column headlines on the front page that include: "TOWN WIPED OUT", "9 Dead, 38 Hurt", "Tornado At Kemp, Oklahoma", "Place May Not Be Rebuilt" See photos for 1st report coverage on the tornado disaster at Kemp, Oklahoma.

Other news of the day throughout including sports and various advertisements. Light browning, a little margin wear but…

WHEELING INTELLIGENCER, West Virginia, April 20, 1889 

* Oklahoma land rush
* Boomers and Sooners

The front page has one column headlines: "THE OKLAHOMA BOOM" "As the Great Day Draws Near the Excitement Increases" "Bound To Reach The Land" and more with related text. This is fine coverage on the famed Oklahoma land rush.
Four pages, large folio size, irregular at the spine, good condition.

SPRINGFIELD SUNDAY REPUBLICAN, Mass. Oct. 11, 1953

* Oklahoma Sooners - NCAA college football
* 1st win of the iconic 47 game winning streak 
* Coach Bud Wilkinson vs. Texas Longhorns 

Page 4 of the sport's section has a one column heading: "OKLAHOMA SCORES EARLY TO DEFEAT TEXAS FOE, 19-14" with subhead. (see images) See details below. Other college football game results of the day. 
I suspect this to be an extremely rare item because there was really no reason to save it at the…

THE RECORD, Moore, Oklahoma, Feb. 6, 1903  This is actually a "territorial" newspaper, as Oklahoma did not become a state until 1907, one of only 3 of the contiguous 48 to join the union in the 20th century (New Mexico & Arizona the other two).
A volume 1 issue of a paper which apparently only lasted a year, with no institutional holdings outside of Oklahoma.
A small folio-size newspaper of 12 pages with local & national news, and a page 2 column headed: "Territory Topics". Very nice…

THE DAILY OKLAHOMAN, Oklahoma City , 1898  This is actually a "territorial" newspaper, as Oklahoma did not become a state until ten years later in 1907, one of only 3 of the contiguous 48 to join the union in the 20th century (New Mexico & Arizona the other two). It is quite rare to find Oklahoma newspapers from the 1800's.
Formatted much like other newspapers of the day with both ads and news reports.
Complete 4 or 8 page newspaper, small folio size, even browning with some edge tears &…

THE SPRINGFIELD DAILY REPUBLICAN, Massachusetts, May 12, 1905

* Snyder, Oklahoma tornado
* F5 tornado disaster

The top of page 9 has one column headings that include: "Dead May Exceed 100" "From Oklahoma Tornado" and more. (see) Coverage on the F5 tornado that hit Snyder, Oklahoma, one of the worst natural disasters in that state.
Other news of the day. Complete in 16 pages, light toning with a little margin wear, somewhat fragile, should be handled with care.

THE NEW YORK TIMES, December 18, 1929 

* McAlester, Oklahoma mining disaster 
* Old Town Mine 

This 56 page newspaper has one column headlines on the front page that include: "OKLAHOMA BLAST ENTOMBS 59 MINERS", "Three Injured Brought Up in McAlester Disaster-Twenty-three Bodies Recovered", " Little Hope For Others" and more (see photos). 1st report coverage on the explosion at the Old Town mine in McAlester, Oklahoma.

Other news, sports and advertisements of the day throughout. Rag…

THE DAILY PICAYUNE, New Orleans, April 19, 1889 

* Oklahoma land rush beginning
* Boomers and Sooners

The top of the front page has column heads including: "ON TO OKLAHOMA" "The Boomers Allowed to Cross the Cherokee Strip" "And Align Themselves on the Border of the Promised Land" "Final Arrangements Completed for the Opening on Monday" "Several Lives Lost in Affrays Between the Settlers" with the article taking 1 2/3 columns. A great account formalizing the Oklahoma Land Rush which…

TAUNTON DAILY GAZETTE, Massachusetts, November 18, 1957

* Oklahoma Sooners, Norman OK
* 47 game win streak ends - college football
* Notre Dame Fighting Irish

This 14 page newspaper has a three column headline on page 8:

* Notre Dame 7-0 Upset Victory Over Sooners Starts Festivities

Tells of the longest ever college football NCAA division I win streak coming to an end at 47 games by the Oklahoma Sooners.

Other news of the day throughout. Minor margin wear, otherwise in good…

THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, Pennsylvania, June 12, 2001

* Timothy McVeigh execution
* Oklahoma City truck bomber

The front page has the banner headline: "Silent and Stoic, McVeigh Dies", with the subheading: "Families find relief amid mixed feeling". Included is a large photo of a pair of mourners, and a small photo of McVeigh. Additional coverage is found on pages 14 and 15, with several related photos.
Multiple sections are present, and are in very good condition.

Background:Timothy…

LOS ANGELES TIMES, April 20, 1995

* Oklahoma City bombing
* Domestic terrorist attack
* Timothy McVeigh

The top of the front page has a nice banner headline: "Car Bomb Shreds Federal Building in Oklahoma City; 31 Dead, 300 Missing" with two related photos. Much more inside.
Complete with all sections (120+ pages), great condition.

background: The April 20, 1995, edition of the Los Angeles Times serves as a chilling "time capsule" of the moment America’s sense of domestic security was shattered.…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, Sport's Section Only, March 30, 1930

* Oklahoma State University Cowboys
* Wins NCAA Div. 1 Wrestling Championship
* Northwestern University Wildcats
* Wins Men's Swimming Championships

The front page of this section has one column headings: "OKLAHOMA AGGIES RETAIN MAT TITLE" "Triumph for Third Year in a Row in Final of National College Tournament" "3 Champions Keep Crowns" and more. (see)
Also on the front page is: "NORTHWESTERN WINS N.C.A.A. SWIM TITLE" "Retains…

PUBLIC LEDGER, Memphis, Tennessee, Jan. 19, 1889 

* Oklahoma land rush close
* Boomers and Sooners

The front page has a one column head: "The Promised Land" "A Raid 5000 Strong to be Made on Oklahoma".  This is an interesting article on plans for the huge land rush which would occur on April 22. The article mentions Pawnee Bill (see).
Complete in 8 pages, evenly toned, a few spine indents from disbinding, good condition.

KANSAS CITY DAILY JOURNAL, Kansas City, Missouri, February 20, 1889

* Purcell, Oklahoma

The front page has a small one column heading: "The Oklahoma Gold Field". See image for text.
Other news of the day. Complete in 8 pages, light browning, minor margin wear, otherwise good. Should be handled with care.

THE NEW YORK TIMES, September 16, 1923

* KKK - Ku Klux Klan
* Oklahome under martial law

The top of the front page has a one column heading: "PUTS ALL OKLAHOMA UNDER MARTIAL LAW TO SUPPRESS KLAN" with subheads: "Governor Walton in Proclamation Says Organization Usurps State Sovereignty", "6,000 Troops To Be Called" and more. (see) Coverage on the Ku Klux Klan becoming so bad in Oklahoma that they had to put the state under martial law.
Other news of the day. Complete 1st section only…

NEW YORK TRIBUNE, April 24, 1889 

* Oklahoma land rush 
* Boomers and Sooners 
* Town of Guthrie looted 

The front page has one column headings: "LOOTING OF A SMALL TOWN", "A Great Scandal At The Chief Town Of Oklahoma" and more. The rush began on April 22. Nice coverage of a fascinating part of America's history in settling the West.

Complete in 10 pages, light browning with a little margin wear, minor creasing, otherwise good. Should be handled with care.

THE PEOPLES VOICE, Norman, Cleveland County, Oklahoma, 1898  This is actually a "territorial" newspaper, as Oklahoma did not become a state until 1907, one of only 3 of the contiguous 48 to join the union in the 20th century (New Mexico & Arizona the other two). An uncommon opportunity for a 19th century newspaper from what was they referred to as the Indian Territory.
Complete as an 8 page newspaper filled with various news items of both local & national interest, as well as many…

THE OMAHA MORNING BEE, Nebraska, January 14, 1926

* Wilburton Oklahoma mining disaster
* No. 21 mine explosion (1st report)

This 14 page newspaper has one column headlines on the front page:

* Fire Blocks Rescue of 93 Miners
* Eleven Negroes Believed Only Survivors of Blast Which Trapped Men in Oklahoma Shaft
* Federal Aid Is Rushed

Tells of the no. 21 mine explosion at Wilburton OK that entombed over 100 miners.

Other news of the day. Light browning with little margin wear.…

NEW YORK TRIBUNE, April 25, 1889 

* Oklahoma land rush begins 
* Boomers and Sooners 

More than one and a half columns of fine reporting on the Oklahoma Land Rush of 1889, with the headings on the front page that read: "SUFFERINGS IN GUTHRIE", "A Drink Of Water Costs Ten Cents" and "Quarrels Among The Companies Over The Laying Out Of The Town..." Nice coverage of a fascinating part of America's history in settling the West.

Complete in 10 pages, light browning with a little margin…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, December 5, 1956

* Paul Hornung wins Heisman Trophy
* Notre Dame Fighting Irish college football
* Oklahoma Sooners declared National Champions

The sport's section (page 55) has a banner headline: "Hornung of Notre Dame Wins Heisman Trophy as Leading Football Player" First report coverage on Paul Hornung winning the Heisman Trophy.
Also on the same page is a two column heading: "Oklahoma Eleven Again on Top In Last Writers', Coaches' Polls" (see) Always nice to…

NORMAN DEMOCRAT-TOPIC, Norman, Oklahoma, April 6, 1900 

* Rare territorial title

This is actually a "territorial" newspaper, as Oklahoma did not become a state until 1907, one of only 3 of the contiguous 48 to join the union in the 20th century (New Mexico & Arizona the other two).

Most of the front page is taken up with various news tidbits of both a local and national scope while inside pages have both news and advertisements. Complete in four pages, minor edge wear, non-archival…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, September 5, 1928

* Aviatrix Amelia Earhart
* Hatbox Field landing
* Muskogee County, Oklahoma

The bottom of page 2 has a very small and discrete heading: "Miss Earhart Lands at Muskogee" First report coverage on Amelia Earhart landing at Hatbox Airfield at Muskogee, Oklahoma
Other news, sports and advertisements of the day. Complete in 56 pages, light toning at the margins, a few small binding slits along the spine, generally in very nice condition.

Note: While…

CHICAGO DAILY TRIBUNE, July 12, 1933 

* End of Prohibition in Oklahoma
* Connecticut & New Hampshire
* Beer - liquor returns

The front page has a five column heading: "Beer Is Voted, but Troops Guard It" with subheads. (see images) First report coverage on the states of Oklahoma, Connecticut and New Hampshire ratifying the repeal of prohibition. Always nice to have notable events in history reported in this World famous publication.
Other news, sports and advertisements of the day.…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York Oct. 3, 1891  Terrific & full front page print shows the famous Oklahoma Land Rush: "The Rush For Oklahoma --The Signal For The Start" which is by W.A. Rogers. A related article inside: "The Rush To Oklahoma".
Other prints within include: "The Brooklyn Fire Department Headquarters" "The Electric Fountain at Lincoln Park, Chicago" "The Jonah of Lucky Valley" is a story which is also includes several small illustrations by Frederic Remington.
A full page features a…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, May 18, 1889 Full ftpg. shows: 'the Old Canoe', being displayable. Dramatic dblpgctrfld: 'Filling The Lifeboat' includes the sinking ship. Over 2 pgs. on 'The Founding of Cities in Oklahoma' includes a very early view of 'Oklahoma City' showing not much more than tents & shacks, plus: 'Laying out Town Lots in Guthrie' and more.
Complete in twenty pages.

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, May 4, 1889 (excluding multi-panel supplement prints)   This issue contains a great full ftpg: 'General Washington at the Close of the War'. Fullpg; 'the Washington Arch at 5th Ave. & Washington Square'. Halfpg: 'The Great Fire on the River Front Between 59th & 65th Streets'.
Doublepage centerfold: 'The Morning of Inauguration Day, 1789'. One-third pg: 'Map of Oklahoma & Surrounding Portions of the Indian Territory'.

Note: The two multi-panel Washington Inauguration…

NEW YORK TIMES, June 25, 1921

* The Osage Nation, Oklahoma
* Richest per-capita in the world
* Black Gold - aka, OIL!

Page three has the one column heading: "OSAGE ARE RICHEST PEOPLE", with the subhead: "Greatest Per Capita Wealth in World Results From Oil Deal.", followed by details taking 2 small paragraphs.

Note: If you think this was good for the Osage Nation, read "Killers of the Flower Moon", by David Grann. Perhaps this announcement, which appeared in newspapers throughout…

THE EVENING TRIBUNE, San Diego, May 12, 1905

* Snyder, Kiowa County, Oklahoma
* Tornado disaster with 113 deaths

The top of the front page has a one column heading: "TORNADO VICTIMS HAVE NO RELIEF" with subheads. (see) Surprisingly this issue is in good condition being from the "wood pulp" era. Very hard to find issues that are not totally fragile from this era in paper.
Complete with 6 pages, small library stamps within the masthead, irregular along the spine, light toning at the…

THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, Pennsylvania, June 3, 1997  The front page has the dramatic banner heading: "McVeigh Guilty in Bombing", with subheading: "Death Penalty possible; hearing set tomorrow", which tells of the conviction of the "Oklahoma City Bombing". Included on the front page is a large photo showing the reaction of some of the victim's families, as well as a small photo of McVeigh. Multiple related articles with photos are found on inside pages.
Contains sections A-D, and F, all in…

CHRISTIAN HERALD, New York, Sept. 4, 1901  Five front page illustrations show: Scenes In The Great Free Land Rush In Oklahoma". Format is similar to Harper's Weekly although some of the reports have a religious theme. Good condition.

EVENING TRIBUNE, San Diego, July 17, 1903

* McAlester, Oklahoma - Indian Territory
* Murderer Dora Wright - Woman hanging

The bottom of the front page has a one column heading: "WHITE MAN HANGED BY KENTUCKY MOB" with subhead. (see) Surprisingly this issue is in good condition being from the "wood pulp" era. Very hard to find issues that are not totally fragile from this era in paper.
Complete with 6 pages, small library stamps within the masthead, nice condition.

THE OMAHA DAILY BEE, Omaha, Nebraska  The front page features a column-wide headline "Ship Breaks In Two Without A Warning And Dozens Perish" with subheads "Stern Section of Oil Tank Steamer Oklahoma Sinks with Thirty-Two of Crew", "Wireless Tells of Disaster", "Bavaria Captain Reports Eight Rescued from Derelict", "Forepart Floats On Waves", "Fate of Boat with Ten Sailors in It is Not Known" and more.
Other news, sports and advertisements of the day are within.
Complete in ten pages with a…

EVENING TRIBUNE, San Diego, Aug.10, 1903

* Battle of Wooster Mound - Oklahoma
* Martin Brothers Gang vs. Lawmen

The front page has a one column heading: "SHERIFFS KILL TWO OUTLAWS" with subhead. (see) Surprisingly this issue is in good condition being from the "wood pulp" era. Very hard to find issues that are not totally fragile from this era in paper.
Complete with 6 pages, small library stamps within the masthead, nice condition.

CLEVELAND WEEKLY HERALD, Ohio, May 12, 1882

* McAlester, Oklahoma
* Tornado disaster

The front page has one column headings that include: "THE WIND" "The Town of McAllister,Indian Territory" "Almost Obliterated by a Terrific Cyclone" and more.
Other news and advertisements of the day throughout. Complete in  8 pages, damp staining to right side of issue, a little margin wear, otherwise good. Should be handled with care.

LESLIE'S ILLUSTRATED NEWSPAPER, New York, May 16, 1885  The front page is a montage of prints concerning the trial of Richard Short for the assault on Capt. Phelan.
Inside has a very dramatic print of: "The Tenement House Fire...A Father's Desperate Resort--Four Children Thrown from a 3rd Story Window". Another full page shows a reunion of Union & Confederates soldiers in Maryland. Half page: "Progress of the Work on the Pedestal for Bartholdi's Colossal Statue of Liberty on Bedloe's Island"…

FRANK LESLIE'S ILLUSTRATED, New York, May 18, 1889  The ftpg. has prints of General Benjamin Butler and Admiral David Porter. 
Prints inside include: "The Occupation of Oklahoma--Would-be Setters in Line at the Land Office in Guthrie" "Ascent of Mount Ararat...". A full pg. shows a scene inside a circus, and a nice fullpg: "Ranch Life In The North-West--Bronco Ponies & Their Uses--How they Are Trained & Broken". Also a halfpg: "The Great Chess Tournament...Tschigorin and Weiss...".
Sixteen…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, March 28, 1885  Very nice & displayable full ftpg Remington illus.: 'Ejecting an Oklahoma Boomer' shows a family in a covered wagon being lead out by soldiers (at least one of whom is Black).
Displayable fullpg. with 5 scenes: 'Logging In Wisconsin'. Fullpg: 'Snake Charming in Tangier'. Halfpg: 'Shad Fishing in Florida' & 'Alaska Scenery--Middle Glacier at Yukon' & 'Subterranean River in Muir Glacier'.
Other news and advertisements of the day are included. Complete…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Sept. 30, 1893  Nice fullpg. with 8 illustrations on: 'The Opening of the Cherokee Strip'. 'Newport Society'. Halfpg: 'Floral Carnival at Colorado Springs'. Fullpg; 'A Hoosier Harvest Jubilee' has 8 scenes. Fullpg. with 7 photos of: 'The Oyster Industry on the Chesapeake'
Complete issue.

EVENING TRIBUNE, San Diego, April 13, 1918

* Operation Michael
* German Spring Offensive
* World War I - WWI

The front page has a six column heading: "Thirty-Six Children Meet Death In Big Fire" with subhead. (see) Surprisingly this issue is in good condition being from the "wood pulp" era. Very hard to find issues that are not totally fragile from this era in paper.
Complete with 14 pages, small library stamp within the masthead, small library label on the front page, generally…