Historic Newspapers: Bonus Catalog Items (newly added)

THE INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER; OR THE CHRONICLE OF FREEDOM, Philadelphia, May 26, 1787  

* Constitutional Convention begins
* George Washington elected president 

An exceedingly historic issue as this newspaper reports the formal beginning of the Constitutional Convention--terrific to have in a newspaper from the city where these notable proceedings were held.
As such, this is likely the first newspaper to report this event, which significantly includes the election of George Washington as its…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Oct. 7, 1773  An extraordinary issue, as page 5 contains what might be the first periodical publication of one of Phillis Wheatley's poems, "On Imagination".
Wheatley was an American writer considered the first African-American author of a published book of poetry. Born in West Africa, she was kidnapped and subsequently sold into slavery at the age of 7 or 8 and transported to North America, where she was bought by the Wheatley family of Boston. After she learned

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., March 5, 1841  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 President of the United States".
Fully half of page 3 is taken up with excellent coverage of the inaugural…

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, August 17, 1776 This exceptional, content-rich issue was published just weeks after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, capturing the frantic military, diplomatic, and social upheavals of the summer of 1776. 

Perhaps most interesting is a page 3 article which contains a stunningly prophetic address to the American public, warning: "Remember, in all your deliberations, you are engaged in a most arduous undertaking. Generations yet unborn may owe

THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, Feb. 29, 1776  This remarkably historic Revolutionary War issue contains a wealth of foundational content from the early months of 1876. 

Page 2 carries an exceptional military report from Montreal detailing the ongoing American campaign in Canada, reading in part: "Quebec is inclosed by a considerable body of forces under Brigadier General Arnold. They hope to avoid storming & thereby prevent effusion of blood on both sides...These circumstances we

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1776  It is rare to find newspapers or magazines with the magical date of "July, 1776". Here is one.
The first article is: "Debate on the American Restraining Bill" with has much interesting reading and takes six pages. There are also 3 pages of text on events in America, including: "Proceedings of the American Colonists since the Passing the Boston Port Bill" with various reports, including one stating that: "...the main army of the United Colonies has…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1781

* Charles Cornwallis, 1st Marquess Cornwallis
* Surrender at Yorktown VA Virginia
* Revolutionary War from the enemy

Certainly the most historic report in this issue--and perhaps in any issue from the Revolutionary War--is that near the back of the issue under the "Historical Chronicle". It begins with an editorial comment: "Gen. Washington's letter to the President of Congress on the surrender of the British army under Lord Cornwallis is truly…

NEWBURYPORT HERALD & COUNTRY GAZETTE, Massachusetts, March 17, 1801  Page 2 contains Thomas Jefferson's first inaugural address, headed and beginning: "City of Washington, March 4 - PRESIDENT'S SPEECH. This Day at XII o'clock, Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States, took the oath of office required by the Constitution in the Senate Chamber, in the presence of the Senate, the public officers, and a large concourse of citizens. Previous to which he delivered the filling ADDRESS:…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, April, 1747  Inside includes the well-known Ben Franklin item: "Speech of Polly Baker". This is the earliest Ben Franklin appearance in a Gentleman's Magazine and perhaps within any British publication, as confirmed by the Franklin Papers, Yale University. Quite noteworthy!
Nearly five pages are taken up with an: "Account of the Behaviour and Execution of the late Lord Lovat & some Further Particulars of his Life". Included are the details of his execution on…

CHICAGO DAILY TRIBUNE, July 20, 1921  When it comes to reports on the infamous "Black Sox" 1919 World Series, it would be difficult to find a better newspaper for such reports.
As the trial of those indicted continues, the front page has a banner headline: "BARES WORLD SERIES SALE"  with subheads: "Purchased And Purchasers of Classic Named" "$20,000 a Game Was Price, Burns Says".
The text begins with a quote attributed to indicted player Eddie Cicotte: "I will throw the first game if I have to…

ADVOCATE FAMILY GUARDIAN, New York, April 15, 1865  

* Printed the Day President Lincoln was Assassinated
* Slavery content

The front page has an article discussing slavery and how Christians should have risen to protest to be, "saved from participation in National guilt...".
Additionally, the front page has a poem which ironacally discusses the death of someone who will never be forgoten. What a beautiful, accidental tribute to the President who was about to be mourned and who did rise and stand…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 3, 1790  Over a full column on page 2 is taken up with an Act of Congress which is headed with a nice engraving of a heraldic eagle and signed in script type by the President: George Washington, and in block type by John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.
 Page 2 also has much reporting from Congress. 
Page 3 includes: "Dr. Franklin--Leaves, in his Will, to the President, a gold-headed Cane with the figure of Liberty on it..." and a note that: "M'Gillivray, the famous…

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, April 5, 1779  Page 2 of this rare Revolutionary War-era issue features an important official communication from the Continental Congress, prefaced by an explanatory note signed in type by its President, John Jay, formally disavowing an unauthorized diplomatic publication that had surfaced in the Pennsylvania Packet newspaper. 

Sharing the page is a notable report extracted from the Boston Gazette concerning the movement of prisoners of war, stating that

THE KNICKERBOCKER PRESS, Albany, New York, Jan. 12, 1935  The front page of this highly dramatic issue showcases a historic double-header of 1930s aviation and true-crime history, making it an exceptionally displayable piece.

Dominating the front page is a striking two-line, four-column heading: "Miss Earhart Flying Solo From Hawaii to Oakland", with a subhead reading: "Only woman to Cross Atlantic Alone, Leaves Wheeler Field for California Over 2,400 Miles of Pacific, Flying Stretch Never

KANSAS CITY JOURNAL, Kansas City, Missouri, June 19, 1928  This issue documents the exact moment Amelia Earhart transformed from an unknown social worker into a global phenomenon. The front page features the historic announcement: "Friendship's Crew Rests In Wales Town", with subheading: "Miss Earhart, First Woman to Fly Atlantic, and Pilots Will Go On To Southampton". Followed by several paragraphs of text and two additional related articles, the coverage captures the immediate aftermath of

NILES' NATIONAL REGISTER, Baltimore, Nov. 15, 1845  The back page has an item noting: "Emma Smith, the widow of the deceased prophet, claims at least a wife's portion of her late husband's worldly gear, including, it is said, besides the Temple itself at Nauvoo, large and valuable tracts of land in Illinois, for Joseph was suspected of having a hawk's eye towards the mammon of unrighteousness. Emma dislikes the notion of leaving those substantial possessions for any prospects which she can…

THE ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, Georgia, May 11, 1915  This issue captures America wrestling with its response to a historic catastrophe just four days after the sinking of the RMS Lusitania. The front page features a prominent two-column headline detailing the nation's fragile diplomatic stance: "No War for United States, But Germany to Be Shown Injustice Done to Mankind By the Lusitania Horror", which includes multiple subheads and a related photo of notable passengers.

The historical significance

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Feb. 27, 1796  Fully half of the front page is taken up with an Act of Congress which is signed in script type: Go. Washington, and in block type by John Adams. This Act was for providing money for the support of the government for the current year.
  Beginning on the front page & ending on page 2 is a letter signed in type by John Jay. And pg. 3 has a document concerning the sale of various tracts of land, signed in block type by the President: Go. Washington. 
Four…

LOS ANGELES TIMES, May 31, 1994  This issue documents the passing of a highly influential figure in both American politics and religious history.
The bottom of the front page features a brief teaser note announcing "Mormon Leader Dies" alongside a portrait captioned "Ezra Taft Benson in 1985," which directs readers to a lengthy, detailed account on page 3 headed: "Ezra T. Benson, Leader of Mormons, Dies." Complete with subheads and an additional photo, the report covers his passing on Monday at…

THE NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE SECTION, April 4, 1915  Pages 3 and 4 contain a wonderful and very detailed article concerning Mary Mallon, also known as "Typhoid Mary". Yes, she was a real person.
The banner head notes: " 'TYPHOID MARY' HAS REAPPEARED" and subhead: "Human Culture Tube, Herself Immune, Spreads the Disease Wherever She Goes." The photograph is of "Dr. George A Soper", an American sanitation engineer who was best known for discovering Mary Mallon and her connection to typhoid…

THE ILLUSTRATED LONDON NEWS, England, May 5, 1888  This issue offers a magnificent glimpse into the rapid growth and natural beauty of the American West as viewed through a Victorian lens. 
The back page features four sketches: "California Sketches: Mammoth Trees; Rock and Mountain Scenery." One of the sketches is of the famous Wawona Redwood Tree", and what looks like a side view of Half-Dome overlooking Yosemite Valley (although this is not confirmed). Additional full-page illustrations

THE NEW YORK TIMES, Sept. 30, 1949  A definitive moment in post-WWII history leaps off the front page of this issue, captured in the striking headline: "Tokyo Rose Is Found Guilty Of 1 of 8 Treason Charges", with supporting text. The coverage of this historic decision continues on page 15 complete with a featured photograph. 
The trial marked a sensational end to the hunt for "Tokyo Rose"—the infamous, generic moniker Allied troops gave to the English-speaking women broadcasting Japanese…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, Aug. 26, 1932  Of significance is the first-report coverage of a monumental milestone in aviation history, led by page 3 headlines that announce: "MISS EARHART FLIES TO 2 MORE RECORDS" and "Lands at Newark Airport, the First Woman to Hop Nonstop Across Continent" "In Air 19 Hours, 5 Minutes". Accompanied by a photo of the aviatrix, the text details Amelia Earhart's historic achievement as the first woman to complete a non-stop transcontinental flight. Pushing herself and…

THE SPRINGFIELD UNION, Massachusetts, April 12, 1963

* USS Thresher (SSN-593) disaster - 1st nuclear sub lost at sea - remains world's worst submarine disaster in U.S. history
* Nuclear powered submarine - the most advanced attack submarine of its day

The front page has the 3-line, 5-column heading: "UNDERSEA SOUNDS HEARD WHERE SUB SANK IN ATLANTIC", with subheads including: "Seawolf Picks Up Tapping but Navy Still Pessimistic", "4 Families From Western Mass. in Mourning For Relatives Aboard Lost…

THE DETROIT NEWS TRIBUNE, New York, NY, March 31, 1913 

* John Pierpont Morgan dying (died on this day)
* Money magnate - financial titan

The front page has a three column headline: "J. PIERPONT MORGAN'S CONDITION CRITICAL, IS OFFICIAL REPORT", with subheads and a photo of Morgan.
Other news of the day is found throughout including some reporting on the great Dayton flood in Ohio.
Nice to have this report on the impending loss of John Pierpont Morgan. As America’s ultimate money magnate and…

LOS ANGELES TIMES (Late Final edition), Jan. 21, 1981  The front page has the full-banner heading: "Hostages Charge Iran Beatings",  with subhead: "State Dept. Doctors Find Evidence", with a related photo. Considerable additional coverage of the end of the Iran Hostage Crisis is found on inside pages.  Another front page article "Reagan Wants to Study Treaty Before OKing It". 
Other notable articles include "Kennedy, Wife Joan to End 23-Year Marriage", "Justices Clear Way for U.S. to Expel…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, July 19, 1939

* Donn Fendler goes missing
* Mount Katahdin in Maine
* Rye, New York 12 year old boy 

The top of 20 has a small one column heading: "Rye Boy Lost On Climb" with subhead. (see images)
 I suspect this is one of the few publications to report this particular event as other titles in our inventory do not.
Other news, sports and advertisements of the day. Complete in 40 pages, light toning at the margins, nice condition.

Background: The disappearance and survival of…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, March 22, 1759  Page 5 has reports headed: "America" containing an: "Extract of a Letter from Philadelphia".
It begins; "General Forbes has left a garrison within the ruined works of Fort DuQuesne, which are repaired as well as circumstances will permit. The difficulty of subsisting a larger number reduces the forcers left there to 200, which is scarce sufficient either to defend the place, or restrain the savages..." with more.
Also: "Canada is reduced to a very…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, April 12, 1931

* Rocket car
* Paul Heylandt

Page 8 has: "NEW ROCKET MOTOR HAS 400-POUND PUSH" and "Liquid Oxygen and Alcoholic Liquid Are Mixed for Fuel in Device tried Out in Berlin", which tells of Paul Heylandt testing his new rocket automobile with liquid fuel. See photos for details.
Other news of the day throughout. 
Present are the first five sections. Rag edition, in great condition.

THE DAILY DELTA, New Orleans, Sept. 28, 1850  Newspapers from the pre-Civil War South are rather difficult to find. Here is one from Louisiana.
Among the many ads is one on the front page 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,…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 9, 1763   Page 3 contains a very lengthy report headed: "Extract from the Journal of an Officer at the Havana, containing some interesting Particulars of the Siege, not hitherto set n a true Light to the Public." This report takes a full page, carrying over to page 4.
The siege of Havana was a successful British siege against Spanish-ruled Havana that lasted from March to August 1762, as part of the Seven Years' War. The American theater of this war was…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 15, 1758  Page 6 has a report headed: "America" with some items concerning the French & Indian War including: "...from New York we are informed that General Abercrombie, with 6000 pick'd men, has set out for Ticonderoga, a French fort situated on the Narrows between Lake George and Lake Champlaine. They will have a very disagreeable march of 150 miles thro' the woods...".
Another report notes: "...under Col. Broadstreet, the other against Crown Point &…

PUNCHINELLO, New York, Aug. 6, 1870  This is number 19 issue of this famous title known for its satirical content directed at the various social and political issues of the day. Inspired by the English publication Punch, it existed only from April 2 to December 14, 1870.

THE DETROIT NEWS, Detroit, June 28, 1936 (Feature Section only)  A very displayable large color sketched portrait of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The page measures approximately 15 by 21 inches, and would look wonderful framed. As is typical with newspapers, there is a (very) light fold crease at the centerfold and a bit of regional toning, otherwise quite nice. A great shot of the beloved FDR.

NEW YORK TIMES, April 11, 1868  The top of the first column has heads: "IMPEACHMENT" "The Opening Argument for the Defense Concluded" and more, with the text taking the entire front page and half of the back page.
Eight pages, very nice condition.