Arts & Entertainment
Arts & Entertainment
Early advertisement for the historic Cape May Congress Hall hotel...
Item #693276
July 18, 1851
THE DAILY UNION, City of Washington, D.C., July 18, 1851
* Congress Hall Hotel advertisement
* Pre Civil War Cape May, New Jersey
Among the advertisements on page 2 is one for the Congress Hall Hotel, headed: "Sea Bathing, Cape May, N.J." and beginning: "Congress Hall is now open for the reception of visitors..." with various detail.
Congress Hall is a very histor... See More
1851 Grand Masonic Hall Song...
Item #211783
June 13, 1851
INDEPENDENT PRESS, Lawrenceburgh, Ind., June 13, 1851 Pg. 2 has an Ode Sung at the Dedication of the Grand Masonic Hall at Indianapolis. News of the day includes: "The Woman's Right's Convention" "Flood In The Mississippi" "Horrid Murder" and much more. Several interesting advertisements as well. First leaf has a few very small holes, one a slightly affecting two words in the ode.
Print of the bluffs at Semla on the Mississippi...
Item #671842
April 26, 1851
THE SATURDAY EVENING POST, Philadelphia, April 26, 1851 The top of the front page features a print of: "The Bluffs of Semla, On the Mississippi" which was done by the famed artist John Banvard. The caption beneath talks of Banvard.
Four pages, large folio size, several folds with some creases as well, mild wear at the folds & margins. Folder size noted is for the issue folded ... See More
Slave ads & notices in this antebellum Louisiana newspaper... Slave labor in California...
Item #701059
September 20, 1850
THE DAILY DELTA, New Orleans, Sept. 20, 1850
* Rare antebellum publication
* From the deep South
* Anti abolitionist - pro Confederate
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. Also of interest is a front page ad headed: "Sl... See More
Uncommon Title From 1850...
Item #213536
August 15, 1850
THE MESSENGER BIRD, N.Y., Aug. 15, 1850.
* 1850 Orignal
* Uncommon Title
Described in the masthead as: A Literary And Musical Journal. Various literary and music-related content. Quarto-size, 16 pages, tattered and worn at the edges, worn at the spine, fold tear on the front page, a few stains.
* 1850 Orignal
* Uncommon Title
Described in the masthead as: A Literary And Musical Journal. Various literary and music-related content. Quarto-size, 16 pages, tattered and worn at the edges, worn at the spine, fold tear on the front page, a few stains.
Large illustration of Millard Fillmore... John White Webster to be executed...
Item #709946
July 27, 1850
BOSTON MUSEUM, July 27, 1850 The front page has a large sketch/likeness of the newly sworn-in president, Millard Fillmore, the last member of the Whig Party to serve as POTUS. Included is an lengthy article which includes his 1842 resignation speech when he left Congress.
An inside notice announces that Harvard Professor John White Webster's request for a commutation of his d... See More
Death report of President Zachary Taylor... R. W. Emerson... California gold...
Item #709939
July 20, 1850
BOSTON MUSEUM, July 20, 1850 Page 4 has: "Death of President Taylor". which tells of the passing of President Zachary Taylor. Other items of interest include: "Transcendentalism Explained", which appears to be a bit of sarcasm related to the transcendental views of Ralph Waldo Emerson, a poem which encouraging its readers to count each day as precious, "Latest ... See More
The famed artist William S. Jewett arrives in San Francisco...
Item #684233
July 06, 1850
SEMI-WEEKLY TRIBUNE, New York, July 6, 1850 The front page has: "Texas and New Mexico - Texas Marching on Santa Fe".
Page 5 has: "Letter from Jewett, the Artist--Humboldt Harbor--Emigrants to California". William S. Jewett was an artist of some note. Most of the report is a letter signed by him: W. S. J.
Eight pages, nice condition.
... See More
Short story by Charles Dickens... News from the California gold fields...
Item #652693
May 18, 1850
BOSTON MUSEUM, May 18, 1850 Page 6 has: "A Short Story by Dickens" contained here in its entirety (see). The back page has over 2 column headed: "Arrival of Three California Steamers" with much news from there including much on gold mining.
Eight pages, decorative masthead, very nice condition.
On the Astor Place Riot...
Item #613320
May 15, 1849
NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., May 15, 1849
* Astor Opera House
* The Tragedy of Macbeth
Page 3 has a follow-up report on the Astor Place Riot headed: "The Late Riots at New York" and "The Events of Thursday Night", the report taking 1 1/2 columns and carrying over to take most of the back page.
The back page has a small report; "The Gold Dol... See More
Great issue on the Astor Place Riot...
Item #686990
May 14, 1849
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington D.C., May 14, 1849
* Astor Place Opera House riot
* Actor William Macready - Macbeth
* Manhattan - New York City
A terrific & quite detailed issue covering the historic Astor Place Riot, which resulted in nearly 30 dead.
Page 3 has over 1 1/2 columns with coverage, headed: "The Late Riots at New York" and: "The Events of T... See More
Item #152051
May 12, 1849
NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, May 12, 1849 A page 3 report headed "Most Afflicting and Fatal Tumults In the City of New York" give details about the riot at the Astor Opera House that resulted in twenty-two deaths. The report says that amond those arrested was Ned Buntline, who supposedly helped precipitate the riot, and was later know for his dime novels and for dubbing William Cody as "Buf... See More
1849 Jenny Lind... opera singer...
Item #686988
May 09, 1849
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington D.C., May 9, 1849 Over half of the front page is taken up with a lengthy: "Speech of Mr. J. G. Chapman Upon the Bill to Establish a Territorial Government in California..." in the House of Representatives.
Page 3 has: "Jenny Lind's Rumored Marriage", known as the "Swedish Nightingale", the singing sensation of the da... See More
Early report on the California Gold Rush...
Item #692766
December 16, 1848
BOSTON MUSEUM, Dec. 16, 1848 Page 4 has: "California Gold" which includes: "All of our brethren are having their say about the California gold discoveries...But California, nor any other unsettled country, should not be peopled by fortune hunters. The wilderness wants practical men, not visionary drones...The mining fever is raging here as well as elsewhere...one of our citize... See More
Tom Thumb exhibit...
Item #649062
November 03, 1848
SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, November 3, 1848 A pg. 3 notice headed "Gen. Tom Thumb" gives details about the appearance of the " Man in Miniature" at the Boston Museum. Other news of the day including slavery related content is present as well.
Archival mends to two minor tears at the spine, a small piece missing in the blank outer margins, occasional foxing to unrelate... See More
Campaign newspaper supporting Zachary Taylor for President... Great political cartoon for a masthead...
Item #702595
August 10, 1848
THE BATTERY, Washington, Aug. 10 1848
* Great political themed masthead engraving
* Supporting Zachery Taylor for president
This was a campaign newspaper supporting Zachary Taylor for President and Millard Fillmore for Vice President.
In the era before radio, television, and the internet it was not uncommon for political parties to create short-lived newspapers to support their can... See More
Campaign newspaper supporting Zachary Taylor for President... Great political cartoon for a masthead...
Item #702593
July 27, 1848
THE BATTERY, Washington, July 27, 1848 This was a campaign newspaper supporting Zachary Taylor for President and Millard Fillmore for Vice President.
In the era before radio, television, and the internet it was not uncommon for political parties to create short-lived newspapers to support their candidate and publicize their political platform. Such newspapers were short-lived; once the elec... See More
Campaign newspaper supporting Zachary Taylor for President... Great political cartoon for a masthead...
Item #702591
July 13, 1848
THE BATTERY, Washington, July 13, 1848
* President Zachary Taylor
* Rare campaign publication
* Nice masthead for display
This was a campaign newspaper supporting Zachary Taylor for President and Millard Fillmore for Vice President. And it is the volume 1, number 2 issue.
In the era before radio, television, and the internet it was not uncommon for political parties to create short... See More
Jenny Lind... opera singer....
Item #694322
July 01, 1848
THE HOME JOURNAL, New York City, July 1, 1848
* Jenny Lind... The Swedish Nightingale
* Opera singer of eventual P.T. Barnum fame
Page 3 has a small heading, "Jenny Lind", which includes a 1/2 column of text related to the world-famous opera singer nicknamed "The Swedish Nightingale".
Mostly literary content with short stories & poems, this title also has some ... See More
General Tom Thumb...
Item #548438
October 08, 1847
EVENING POST, New York, October 8, 1847
* General Tom Thumb - "On Display"
Page 2 has a report: "Gen. Tom Thumb continues to attract crowds at the Museum. Every Levee is fully attended, although he holds five distinct ones every day....Everybody who has seen him will want to see him again..." and a bit more.
Other news of the day includes: "Laws of New York" "... See More
The Orleans Drinking Club...
Item #562111
September 25, 1847
SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, N.Y., September 25, 1847
* Uncommon sport's related periodical
Described in the masthead as: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Agriculture, Field Sports, Literature and the Stage." Inside has the summaries and scores of two cricket matches, plus the lyrics of the "Song Of The "Orleans Drinking Club".
Other topics throughout. Some foxing ... See More
George Catlin to paint for Versailles... The Smithsonian...
Item #691652
June 11, 1847
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., June 11, 1847 Page 3 has a brief item about the famed artist George Catlin: "Our countryman, Mr. Catlin, has received an order form Louis Philippe to paint 25 large paintings for Versailles, from the designs he submitted to him of the travels of La Salle on the Mississippi, St. Lawrence, and the great lakes of North America."
Also wi... See More
P. T. Barnum and Tom Thumb...
Item #688240
March 24, 1847
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., March 24, 1847
* Phineas T. Barnum
* Dwarf Tom Thumb
The top of page 3 has an interesting article headed: "General Tom Thumb" which has a letter from Europe on his tour there, and is prefaced with: "This wonderfully small pattern of a man...returned a few weeks ago from a visit to Europe...".
The letter from London ... See More
Terrific issue on building the Smithsonian "Castle" in the nation's capital...
Item #691600
March 23, 1847
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D. C., March 23, 1847
* Smithsonian Institution
* Construction of the "Castle"
* Washington D.C. publication
Page 3 has a wonderful article on the building of what we now know as the "Castle", the original building of the Smithsonian Institution.
It is headed: "Smithsonian Institution" and bits include: &... See More
Expecting a speedy peace with Mexico...
Item #688245
March 16, 1847
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., March 16, 1847 Page 3 has over half a column taken up with: "The War In Mexico" begins: "It is intimated by letters from Washington that the President and other officials there entertain the confident expectation of a speedy peace with Mexico..." with much more.
Four pages, nice condition.
Chess Player's Chronicle...
Early sports and theater - 1847...
Item #214868
SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, newspaper from New York City, dated in 1847. There is much reporting on sports of the day, as this newspaper is subtitled: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Agriculture, Field Sports, Literature and the Stage." An interesting feature is the back page which contains a column titled "Chess Player's Chronicle" which illustrates a particular chess situation, plus o... See More
19th century illustrated circus ad...
Item #623223
June 16, 1846
SALEM GAZETTE, Salem, Massachusetts, June 16, 1846
* Illustrated circus advertisement
* 19th century Salem, Massachusetts
Page 3 has an ad: ""Mammoth Circus! Grand Entertainment with Great Addition In Interest, Splendor &c." re. the Rockwell & Stone Circus. Has details, plus an engraving of an equestrian performance."
News of the day includes: "Dreadful St... See More
General Tom Thumb....
Item #563224
August 22, 1844
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington D.C., August 22 , 1844
* General Tom Thumb as a young boy
* P.T. Barnum circus attraction
Page 3 has a report about "Tom Thumb At Paris" that reads, in part:
* As it is the intention of Mr. Barnum to visit Paris with Tom Thumb....The General, having worn out Napoleon in England, he will there, in polite deference to French prejudice, ap... See More
Niagra Falls... Pneumatic Railroad...
Item #560948
NEW YORK HERALD, New York, February 2, 1842* American Musuem
* Niagara Falls - Early railroad
Page 2 has a report about the attractions at the American Museum, including a model of the city of Dublin, the "Falls of Niagara, with real water", the Grand Cosmorama, the Pneumatic Railroad and some of the performances.
Other news of the day with ads. 4 pages in nice condition.... See More
1840 William Henry Harrison Song...
Item #212065
June 17, 1840
THE CORRECTOR, from Sag-Harbor, (L.I.), N.Y., dated June 17, 1840
* William Henry Harrison campaign song
* Piracy and Murder
* The Florida War
With the lyrics of a campaign song on the front page Parodical A Democratic Harrison Song Dedicated To The Sixth Ward Tippecanoe Club Of Cincinnati. Tune--A Landlady of France. A page 3 ad endorses the Harrison-Tyler ticket. News of the day in... See More
Slaves of the captured Amistad slave ship...
Item #683756
February 29, 1840
NILES' NATIONAL REGISTER, Baltimore, Feb. 29, 1840 Near the top of the front page is a small heading: "The Amistad Schooner" which reports on the case of the Amistad slave ship, made famous recently by the 1997 Stephen Spielberg movie of the same name.
The article mentions: "The British government...have been actively interposing in the affairs of the Amistad...to in... See More
William Henry Harrison, 1840...
Item #220368
February 06, 1840
THE MADISONIAN, Washington, dated Feb. 6, 1840.
* William Henry Harrison
* Campaign Song
Page 3 has a brief letter from Luzerne County containing the lyrics of an Irish Song in honor of Harrison, sung to the Air--Spring of Shillalah. Other news of the day with some advertisements. 4 pages in good condition.
... See More
* William Henry Harrison
* Campaign Song
Page 3 has a brief letter from Luzerne County containing the lyrics of an Irish Song in honor of Harrison, sung to the Air--Spring of Shillalah. Other news of the day with some advertisements. 4 pages in good condition.
1840 Washington D.C....
Item #217957
January 11, 1840
THE MADISONIAN, Washington, Jan. 11, 1840.
* Uncommon title
* New Year's song
Front page has lyrics: The Hero Of The Thames Song Written For The Celebration Of New Years Eve, By The Unionist And Others. Also has an Extract From An Address Delivered by Gen. Harrison, at Vincennes, Ind. To Gen. Willam Harrison" "Dissolution Of The Vsn Buren Party" and more. 4 pages in nice condit
... See More
* Uncommon title
* New Year's song
Front page has lyrics: The Hero Of The Thames Song Written For The Celebration Of New Years Eve, By The Unionist And Others. Also has an Extract From An Address Delivered by Gen. Harrison, at Vincennes, Ind. To Gen. Willam Harrison" "Dissolution Of The Vsn Buren Party" and more. 4 pages in nice condit
Henry Schoolcraft 1839 Story....
Item #215715
July 27, 1839
NEW-YORK MIRROR, July 27, 1839.
* Short Story by known writer
* Henry C. Schoolcraft
* Short Story by known writer
* Henry C. Schoolcraft
Famous literary title, inside has a short story: The Celestial Sisters. By Henry R. Schoolcraft . Other topics include: "Employment For The Unhappy" "Arab Horses" "Progress Of Music" and more. Measures 14 by 10 1/2 inches, 8 pages, some lite margin stain
... See More
First of this title we have offered?
Item #699658
April 21, 1838
THE SUNBEAM, London, April 21, 1838 Printed in the masthead is: "A Weekly Journal Devoted To Polite Literature And Music". This is a volume 1 issue and would appear to be the first of this title we have offered.
Eight pages with the back page taken up with a piece of music, untrimmed margins, 10 by 12 3/4 inches, some staining near the margins, full red tax stamp on the front page... See More
Jackson's annual message... The new Gobrecht half dollar coin...
Item #647789
December 10, 1836
NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Dec. 10, 1836 Over four pages inside are taken up with: "The Annual Message" being the President's state-of-the-union address, signed in type: Andrew Jackson. This lengthy address is an excellent overview of the events of 1836.
For coin collectors, a rare report on the new Gobrecht half dollar about to be issued, he... See More
Princeton College in 1833....
Item #219375
November 16, 1833
EVENING POST, N.Y., Nov. 16, 1833.
* Andrew Jackson
* Princeton university
An item on page 2 says: President Jackson has presented to Princeton College, for its museum, a collection of insects from South America, which is...very valuable, and as adding considerably to the interest of the entomological department. Other news of the day includes: "Italian Opera" "Latest From M
... See More
* Andrew Jackson
* Princeton university
An item on page 2 says: President Jackson has presented to Princeton College, for its museum, a collection of insects from South America, which is...very valuable, and as adding considerably to the interest of the entomological department. Other news of the day includes: "Italian Opera" "Latest From M
Famous sculptor dies... did reliefs in Capitol building....
Item #541330
September 14, 1833
EVENING POST, New York, September 14, 1833.
* Italian sculptor Enrico Causici death
* 19th century original
On page 2 under "Obituary" is a report stating that the famous sculpture Enrico Causici died at Havana from the Asiatic cholera. Describes him as the "...most successful pupil of the renowned Canova..." and says in part that he "...executed the two basso reli... See More
An "omnibus" newspaper from London...
Item #699121
September 07, 1832
THE NATIONAL OMNIBUS; & GENERAL ADVERTISER, London, England, Sept. 7, 1832 This was not a "newsy" newspaper but rather, as noted in the masthead, "A Journal of Literature, Science, Music, Theatricals, and the Fine Arts". With many advertisements as well.
Eight pages, 9 1/4 by 14 1/2 inches, nice condition.
Capitol Pediment artwork of Luigi Persico is completed and unveiled...
Item #705029
November 08, 1828
NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Nov. 8, 1828 Page 4 has a very detailed article on the completion of the carved artwork of Luigi Persico, the artist who created the "Genius of America" pediment which fronts the Capitol building in Washington. It was work in progress from 1825 - 1828 and this report describes the work, beginning: "The scaffolding and shed whic... See More
Early Tightrope Walking Ad 1827...
Item #215438
November 10, 1827
NATIONAL JOURNAL, Washington, Nov. 10, 1827.
* Early tightrope walking (funambulism) ad
* Mr. Villalave
* Early tightrope walking (funambulism) ad
* Mr. Villalave
Page 3 has a notice for a performance by Mr. Villalave and Company at the Washington Theatre. Has details about the performances, plus a woodcut of a tight rope walker doing a juggling routine. News of the day includes: "The Presidency" "Pennsylvania" "Important From Ver
... See More
Military Academy at West Point...
Item #541280
January 11, 1827
NATIONAL JOURNAL, Washington DC, January 11, 1827
* West Point Military Academy
* Band instructor Willis
A page 3 report says that:
* "...Mr. Willis, the leader and instructor of the Band at the Military Academy at West Point arrived in this city, and he...intends giving a Concert this evening. The musical talents of this gentlemen have been universally admired and particularly his... See More
Creating a Jewish city in the Niagara River...
Item #704169
September 24, 1825
THE WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Sept. 24, 1825
* Jewish city creation
* Grand Island, New York
* Niagara River
One of the articles on an inside page reads in its entirety: "The ceremony of laying the corner stone, of what is to be a city of the Jews, on Grand Island, N.Y. took place on the 14th instant, and Mr. Noah, editor of the New York National Advocate, governor and judge of Isra... See More
An Act on Lobster Fishery...
Item #557180
April 17, 1824
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Massachusetts, April 17, 1824
* Lobster Fishery act
* Gloucester, Massachusetts
The front page has: "An Act regulating the Lobster Fishery in the town of Gloucester."
Page 3 has a report about the final performance of the Liliputian Minstrels at Pantheon Hall.
Other news of the day with many ads throughout. Some light foxin... See More
1822 Unicorn Killed in Africa?...
Item #200230
June 21, 1822
SALEM GAZETTE, Salem, Mass., June 21, 1822 A detailed report under "The Unicorn" describes the head of a beast killed in Africa and then brought to a museum in London. Includes an engraving of the beasts head which resembles a rhinoceros, although some thought it to be the "Unicorn of Holy Writ". First leaf has a small piece missing in the outer margin, occasional foxing.
Miniature watch made...
Item #206882
October 26, 1821
SALEM GAZETTE, Salem, Massachusetts, Oct. 26, 1821 An interesting page 2 report reads: "Phineas Davis, of York, Pennsylvania, has made an ingenious little watch...now exhibited in the Philadelphia Museum. Its circumference is a little less that a six penny bit, and only 3 16ths of an inch in depth; it...keeps good time, and goes for 30 hours...". Good condition, untrimmed.
deaf and dumb...
Item #575374
October 18, 1820
NATIONAL GAZETTE & LITERARY REGISTER, Philadelphia, Oct. 18, 1820 Page 3 has a interesting article: "The Deaf & Dumb Fond of Music" being a letter about a musical artist born deaf and dumb (see). Page 3 also has an article on: "Mr. Guille's Ascension" in a balloon.
Four pages, nice condition.
Rare piece of political Americana: the Gerry-Mander...
Item #715496
January 01, 1817
Terrific broadside: "Natural And Political History of THE GERRY-MANDER! In Two Chapters.....With Cuts."
* Extremely rare broadside
* Eldridge Gerry - Gerrymandering
* Essex County, Massachusetts redistricting
* Republicans & upcoming state elections
Information from dealer Barry Lawrence Ruderman notes:
"Rare political broadside featuring the first political cartoon i... See More
Much reporting on the War of 1812...
Item #618610
March 26, 1814
NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, March 26, 1814 Over half of the front page has a letter signed by John Armstrong (Secretary of War) beginning: "The time at which we have reason to expect an ascendancy on Lake Ontario has arrived.." in which he gives an update on events from his theater of the War of 1812. War reports carry over for several more pages & includes letters s... See More
General Harrison on the Battle of the Thames...
Item #693188
October 23, 1813
THE NEW-YORK WEEKLY MUSEUM, Oct. 23, 1813
* William Henry Harrison
* War of 1812 - Moraviantown
Page 3 has almost a full column taken up with various reports on the War of 1813, including events in Louisiana, and several mentions of General Wm. H. Harrison, particularly his account of this historic Battle of the Thames, a victory over the Indians.
Four pages, 9 1/4 by 11 1/2 inches,... See More
If you are searching for a newspaper from a specific date, please note that we have a vast selection available for purchase by using the date picker on our
gifts and birthday newspapers page.