Historic Newspapers: Search Results

THE WEEKLY RECORDER, Chillicothe, Ohio, Oct. 29, 1817  

* Very rare publication
* 1st & 3rd capital of Ohio 
* Ross County

A very early Ohio newspaper rarely offered today. Our database indicates we only offered one other issue of this title, that being 12 years ago, and it was a damaged issue.
Complete in 8 pages, 10 by 12 1/2 inches, never bound nor trimmed, very nice condition.

Background: This specific October 29, 1817 issue of The Weekly Recorder is a document of profound historical importance

KANSAS KRITIC, Concordia, Oct. 17, 1888  

* From the 19th century Frontier

In the masthead is; "An Advocate of the People; Defending Their Rights and Denouncing Their Wrongs".
Gregory's "Union List of Newspapers" notes that only two institutions have any holdings of this title, one of which has just a single issue.
Four pages, nice condition.

Background: This exceptionally rare four-page issue of the Kansas Kritic, published in Concordia on October 17, 1888, serves as a vital historical artifact…

THE NEW REPUBLIC, Lincoln, Nebraska, Sept. 3, 1896  

* Pre prohibition & temperance movement 

This seems to be a prohibition-focused newspaper as much of the content would suggest. Some critical content on William Jennings Bryan content on the front page noting: "His Record! Bryan an Anti-Proihibitionist".
Four pages, good condition.

Background: This September 3, 1896 issue of The New Republic out of Lincoln, Nebraska, is a remarkably rare and significant piece of late-19th-century political…

ENGINEERFUL, July 24, 1945  This is a "camp" newspaper seemingly produced by an engineering unit, however no details are printed. A single sheet, typewriter-set piece, mostly military-related content. Included is a single-sheet photo montage headed: "VE DAY" with a cartoonish print of Hitler. Very nice condition.

Background: Published on July 24, 1945, ENGINEERFUL serves as a rare, raw cultural snapshot of the volatile interregnum period between the end of World War II in Europe and the final…

NEW BEDFORD MERCURY, Massachusetts, Oct. 20, 1809  This is just the second issue of this title we have offered in our 50+ years. A quite uncommon newspaper.
Various news of the day including items for the Napoleonic War in Europe. The back page has over half a column with: "Murder and Piracy".
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, very nice condition.

Background: This October 20, 1809 issue of the New Bedford Mercury serves as a vital historical window into the geopolitical anxieties of early…

LEAVITT'S PEAT JOURNAL, Boston, February, 1867  

* Very rare publication
* Volume 1 Number 1 

Printed in the masthead is this newspaper's purpose: "Devoted Especially to the Dissemination of Information Relating to the Production of Fuel from Peat, and Generally to all that Pertains to the Economical Production snd use of Fuel of all Kinds".
This is the volume 1, number 1 issue. Only five issues are known to have been printed, and this is the only issue we have located in our 50+years.
Four pages,…

NEW YORK TRIBUNE, Oct. 19, 1865  

* Solar eclipse of October 19, 1865
* Henry Wirz - Andersonville Prison

A doubly interesting issue as the front page has a graphic account of: "THE SOLAR ECLIPSE TO-DAY" "Philosophy of Eclipses" "Where This Eclipse is Annular" "Its Appearance Here" with two graphics.
Also on the front page: "ANDERSONVILLE" "The Wirz Trial Yesterday" "Reply of the Accused to the Charge of Murder".
Eight pages, very nice condition.

Background: This October 19, 1865 issue of the New…

THE PALMETTO HERALD, Port Royal, South Carolina, Dec. 8, 1864  

* Very rare Yankee occupation publication

This rare newspaper from Union-occupied Port Royal existed from just March 3 thru December 29, 1864. This newspaper would cease to exist 3 issues after this one was published. This may be the first of this title we have offered in our 50+ years.
We defer to the wonderful research presented by the Library of Congress for the following on this interesting title:
"Had the weekly Port Royal

THE NEWPORT MERCURY, Rhode Island, May 9, 1797  

* President George Washington 
* Mount Vernon retirement 

Page 3 has a lengthy letter to George Washington from the Rhode Island General Assembly concerning his retirement from public office. It begins: "Having felt in common with our constituents the importance of your military and civil services, and being deeply affected by the resolution you have formed of retiring from public life, we beg leave to express to you our sentiments...".
This is…

F.D.REPORTER, printed on board the U.S.S. Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dec. 1, 1945  

* USS Franklin D. Roosevelt publication

This is the first issue of a shipboard newspaper which, as noted at the top, is: "Published for the crew by the crew about their shipmates and shiplife."
Much of the content is on the commissioning of this newest ship in the United States fleet, including a front page photo of President Truman at the commissioning.
At the bottom of the front page is: "Souvenir Edition Of The…

THE FLAG OF OUR UNION, Boston, Jan. 3, 1857  This was a weekly story paper that enjoyed a 25 year run in the middle of the 19th century. In addition to news, it featured works of fiction and poetry including contributions from notable writers such as Louisa May Alcott and Edgar Allan Poe. It became very popular, & by some accounts it had the largest circulation of any newspaper in the United States around 1851.
Eight pages, never bound nor trimmed so it folds out to one large sheet, some wear…

ARC LIGHT, November, 1944 "A Publication of the American Red Cross of China-Burma-India". Obviously the content is focused on the work of the Red Cross during the closing months of World War II.
The back page is taken up with 3 cartoons by former Disney animator Bill Harmer. The back page note states: "Sgt. Bill Harmer, formerly an animator with Walt Disney & five major Hollywood studios, now draws cartoons of Army life in the CBI. Harmer worked on such productions as Snow White & the Seven…

THE HOBO NEWS, New York, November, 1940  An interesting monthly "street" newspaper that existed from 1936 to 1948, distributed by street sellers in bohemian areas.  It was produced in part by hobos.
The front page is dramatic with: "TO HELL WITH HITLER - Public Enemy No. 1" with a cartoonish print of Hitler as a wolf. The back page is equally as dramatic, showing Churchill about to behead Hitler with an ax.
Complete in 20 pages, tabloid-size, very nice condition.

ADAHOONILIGII, Window Rock, Arizona, Feb. 1, 1944  

* World War II era Navajo Indians
* "Windtalkers" Navajo Code Talkers
* Extremely rare WWII publication 

This is the volume 1, number 7 issue.
This was a Navajo-language monthly newspaper published in the Southwestern United States from 1943 to 1957. After the "Cherokee Phoenix", operating from 1828 to 1834, it was the second regularly circulating newspaper in the United States that was written in a Native American language. It was the first…

THE YOUNG EAGLE, Marlboro, New Hampshire, March, 1879  This was an amateur newspaper, meaning printed by a hobbyist. Such issues were popular in the late 19th century and most had a very short life. This is the volume 1, number 3 issue. They were typically of small size and issued monthly.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, 7 3/4 by 10 3/4 inches, minor foxing/dirtiness to a portion of the front page, good condition.

BLACK AND WHITE BUDGET - "TRANSVAAL SPECIAL", London, not dated being a "special" issue, but a back page notice mentions the next regular issue of "Black & White" will be ready Nov. 20, 1899.
An interesting and uncommon periodical focused on the Boer War in South Africa. It is virtually filled with photos of the war, officers, etc., with very little text save for captions. 
Contains 32 pages plus blue wrappers, 7 1/2 by 11 1/4 inches, interior pages are high-quality coated paper, rust stains…

THE CHRISTIAN VISITANT, "By A Layman", Albany, New York, Feb. 10, 1816  Very little can be found about this title as it is not in either Brigham's 'History & Bibliography of American Newspapers', nor Mott's 'A History of American Magazines'. The American Antiquarian database seems to indicated it lasted for just one year from 1815 - 1816. It was published by Solomon Southwick.
This is the first of title we have ever offered, having come from our private collection. It is volume 1, number 37.…

THE MASSACHUSETTS GAZETTE, Boston, August 31, 1769 printed with THE BOSTON WEEKLY NEWS-LETTER, August 31, 1769  Both newspapers were published by Richard Draper on Thursday. A partnership with John Green and Joseph Russell printed the "Boston Post-Boy & Advertiser" on Mondays.

Both titles are printed on the same sheet of paper (each s single sheet; verified when held to the light) and were meant to be separated for individual sale & distribution. But this pair was not, hence the interesting

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY, OR THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, April 14, 1785  

* Paul Revere masthead engraving 
* Post American Revolutionary War

The prime feature of this issue would be the masthead as half of it, that which includes the words "Massachusetts Spy", was engraved by the famed Paul Revere. Revere created the masthead designs for just a few newspapers in the Boston area, this being one of them. And this newspaper was published by Isaiah Thomas, arguably the most famous printer during this…

THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, December 7, 1796  

* Opening of the Northwest Territory
* Printed on handmade rag paper
* During George Washington's presidency

A typical newspaper of the day with a wealth of reporting and many ads as well. The back page has legal notices concerning the sale of land including the Northwest Territory.
Four pages, scattered foxing throughout, nice condition.

background: This issue of The Herald captures a pivotal moment in American…

FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, July 5, 1797  

* Rare 18th century American publication

Curious that the title uses 5 different fonts. Page 3 has a report: "'Termination of the British Fleet Mutiny".
The back page is filled with ads including at least 3 reward ads for runaways, as well as: "To be Sold, the time of a stout, likely Negro Girl..." with particulars.
Four pages. This is from our private collection selected for inclusion because of its great…

THE DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Feb. 18, 1797

* Very rare publication
* Short lived (4 months)
* Nation's temporary capital

 Although the title might seem common this is actually a quite scarce newspaper. It existed as this title from February 11 thru July 3, 1797, less than 5 months, and was continued by "Carey's Daily Advertiser" until just September 12.
This is issue #11. In our 47 years we have never offered this title before now.
Four pages with wide, untrimmed margins, in…

COURIER OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, Concord, Feb. 3, 1803  Most of the front page is taken up with an article headed: "President's Message" beginning: "The subject of Louisiana continues every day to become more and more interesting to all classes of American citizens...". It continues with much talk of the advantages of this territory the United States will soon be acquiring from France.
A wonderful issue on what great value the new land, which would nearly double the size of the United States, would…

WOODSTOCK OBSERVER, Vermont, Oct. 24, 1820  

* Rare Windsor County publication

The only other issue of this title we have offered in the last 30+ years is from 1829. This is the volume 1, number 42 issue.
The back page has: "A Project of a Law for Preventing Unhappy Marriages". But this issue is from our private collection, selected for inclusion because of its great condition.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, very nice condition.

Background:The Woodstock Observer was a weekly…

CONCORD OBSERVER, New Hampshire, May 10, 1819

* Very rare Merrimack County publication

Since becoming computerized we have only offered two issues of this title, and both are from the Civil War. There is no documentation that title ever existed.
This issue is from our private collection and selected for such due to its nice condition. The back page has a lengthy article: "Education of Indians".
Four pages, wide, never-trimmed margins, very nice condition.

PORTLAND GAZETTE & MAINE ADVERTISER, May 12, 1806

* Pre pre-statehood publication
* Cumberland County - Co. 

At this time Maine was part of Massachusetts, not becoming a state until 1820 as part of the Missouri Compromise. So, this issue is from 14 years before statehood.
The back page has an article concerning General Wilkinson, stating: "...that he had fomented the alarming differences between the American and French citizens in Upper Louisianas...".
Four pages, light damp staining,…

FEDERAL INTELLIGENCER, & BALTIMORE DAILY GAZETTE, Maryland, April 16, 1795

* Rare 18th century title from Maryland
* President George Washington era

Quite rare to find an issue with this title, as it began Oct. 30, 1794 and continued until just Dec. 30, 1795 as such. It previously had life as another title, and existed under yet another title after the latter date, existing just over a year with this title.
Most of the first column inside is taken up with an Act of Congress: "...making…

THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL & TOWN AND CONTRY ADVERTISER, Rhode Island, April 17, 1799  

* A rarity in the newspaper collecting 

In addition to collecting rare and historic newspapers, we also pursue issues which are "odd-ball" or unique. This is one.
A typical 4 pages newspaper, pages 1 and 2 are quite traditional with news reports and ads, but the back leaf is the first signature for a pamphlet titled: "ACTS passed at the THIRD SESSION of the Fifth Congress of the United States...Printed…

PORTLAND GAZETTE & MAINE ADVERTISER, Nov. 2, 1807

* Early 19th century Northern New England
* Aaron Burr trial - Thomas Jefferson

At this time Maine was part of Massachusetts, not becoming a state until 1820 as part of the Missouri Compromise. So this issue is from 13 years before statehood.
Page 2 has most of a column on: "Col. Burr's Trial" for High Treason glints the United States. Then a brief item on: "Trial of Com. Barron". He was charged with: negligently performing the duty…

THE SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, July 24, 1798  

* President George Washington
* re. commanding American armies

Most of the front page is taken up with: "Laws Of the United States" including several Acts of Congress including: "Supplementary to an act...to establish an uniform rule of Naturalization..." and: "Supplementary to...An Act authorizing the President of the United States to Raise a Provisional army." and: "to amend the Act..,.to authorize the President...to cause to be…

THE PENNSYLVANIA HERALD, AND GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Sept. 16, 1786  

* Very rare 18th century American publication

A very rare title, in fact I find no record in our database of having sold another of this title.
This newspaper existed under this title from just May 31, 1786 thru Feb. 14, 1788, less than 2 years. It existed for 16 months prior under several different titles.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, various wrinkling and some creases, moderate wear at the…

CONNECTICUT JOURNAL, New Haven, Jan. 1, 1801  Much of the front page is taken up with reports from "Congress" including a bit: "...The house resolved itself into a committee of the whole on the bill for erecting a Mausoleum to George Washington...moved an amendment substituting a Monument, in the place of a Mausoleum, to be erected in the Capitol...".
Page 2 includes a: "Tribute to Lord Nelson" referred to here as: "...the Hero of the Nile..." for his defeat of Napoleon. Also a report from…

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY, OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Oct. 1, 1800  

* Turn of the 19th century
* Nice issue for display

A wonderful masthead makes this a displayable issue.
Page 3 has over a full column report from Paris: "American Envoys - State of the Negotiation Between France and America". This is over the XYZ Affair, a diplomatic incident between French and United States diplomats that resulted in a limited, undeclared war known as the Quasi-War. Negotiators restored peace with the…

RELFS PHILADELPHIA GAZETTE & DAILY ADVERTISER, Sept, 16, 1808  This issue is from the private collection, selected for the great condition.
The top of page 2 has a nice & large advertisement for the "Insurance Company of North America" (INA), the oldest stock insurance company in the country.
The front & back pages are taken up with advertisements, including a lengthy ad for two runaways, with detailed descriptions.
Four pages, great condition.

THE DIARY, New York, April 16, 1796  

* First elephant comes to America
* Captain Jacob Crowninshield

The most notable content would be the page 3 report of the very first elephant to arrive in America, which was on board the ship America.
The report reads: "The America has brought him an ELEPHANT from Bengal, in perfect health. It is the first ever seen in America, and a very great curiosity. It is a female, two years old, and of the species that grow to an enormous size. This animal…

BOSTON INTELLIGENCER & EVENING GAZETTE, June 24, 1820  Among the articles within: "More Piracy & Murder!" "The New Throne" for England; two reports of a great fire at Troy, New York.
Four pages, scattered foxing, some tears at the blank spine, mostly good condition.

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, May 13, 1807  This title has the distinction of being the oldest, continually published newspaper in America, now titled 'The Hartford Courant'. This issue is from the private collection, selected for inclusion because of the wide, untrimmed margins. Four pages, some light foxing, minor archival and at the spine, very nice condition.

SUPPLEMENT TO CLAYPOOLE'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Oct. 15, 1796  Occasionally newspapers would publish a "Supplement" to an issue to either provide space for advertisements or to report news that would not fit within the 4 page issue. This is one.
The front page begins with a: "Twenty-Dollars Reward" for a runaway: "...Negro servant lad..." with descriptive details. 
Complete as a single sheet issue, untrimmed margins, great condition.

THE WEEKLY MESSENGER, Boston, April 30, 1813  The entire front page is taken up with: "American Papers" from the House of Commons in London, much relating to the on-going War of 1812.
Page 3 has; "The New Friends of the Navy" and: "Ought Massachusetts t Build a Ship for Those who Would not Build one for Themselves?" There is also a lengthy report of a parade by the: "Washington Benevolent Society" marking the anniversary (April 30) of the first inauguration of George Washington as President…

THE NEW WORLD, Philadelphia, Dec. 6, 1796  

* Rare publication
* Botany Bay
* New South Wales
* Australia

A very scarce title, existing only from Aug. 15, 1796 thru Aug. 16, 1797, just one year. This issue is from the private collection.
Page 3 has: "Botany Bay" which is present-day Australia. The letter from Governor Hunter, New South Wales, begins: "This settlement is wonderfully improved since the time I left it. It appears now to beaming rapid progress towards an independence for…

THE UNION subtitled: "United States' Gazette and True American for the Country", Philadelphia, April 17, 1819  This was the semi-weekly country edition of the "Union" which was a daily.
Page 2 includes: "Claims of the North American Indians" and: "Curious Roguery. A page 3 report begins: "The slave trade treaties were the subject of some conversation in both houses...". Also a nice illustrated advertisement for a "Bell and Brass" foundry.
Four pages, nice condition.

THE OXFORD GAZETTE, England, Dec. 7, 1665 

* Earliest & Rarest of newspapers to be had
* Great Plague of London - epidemic deaths

This is an extremely famous--and rare--title, being the predecessor of the famous "London Gazette", the oldest continually published English language newspaper in the world. Plus this is the #7 issue.
Because of the Plague and an attempt to avoid the contagion, the Royal Court removed itself from London to Oxford when this newspaper began, so issues #1 thru…

ANTI-MONARCHIST, & REPUBLICAN WATCHMAN, Northampton, Massachusetts, Jan. 4, 1809  

* Very rare publication

This is the only issue of this title we have found in our 47 years. It existed for just two years. The only other issue of this date recorded in Brigham is in the American Antiquarian Society. This is the volume 1, number 4 issue. This issue is from our private collection.
Four pages, various tears at the blank margin with some loss, a burn hole to the front leaf and two small…

THE PEOPLE'S FRIEND & DAILY ADVERTISER, New York, July 15, 1807  A quite scarce title, this being only the second issue we have found in our 47 years. It existed for just eleven months.
Four pages, various chipping & small tears at the margins, a non-archival mend near the top of the spine.

SUPPLEMENT TO THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, No. 2119  (Philadelphia, Aug. 3, 1769)  

* Rare colonial publication

This "Supplement" issue came with the Aug. 3, 1769 (date not printed here) issue of the Gazette but has since been separated. As was typically the purpose of Supplement issues, this single sheet is entirely taken up with advertisements that could not fit in the regular 4-page issue, reflecting the great success of this colonial title which was once owned by Ben Franklin.
A single…

HILLSBORO' TELEGRAPH, Amherst, New Hampshire, Sept. 23, 1820

* Early New Orleans, Louisiana Voodoo
* African American religion folklore
* Spells - human sacrifices - magic

 A short-lived newspaper, existing just 2 1/2 years. This is the volume 1, number 39 issue.
A typical newspaper of the day with various reports inside including items from England, Baltimore, Cuba, New Orleans and elsewhere. The article from New Orleans is: "Idolatry", an early report concerning voodoo. It notes in…

THE WASHINGTONIAN, Windsor, Vermont, July 20, 1812  

* Nice masthead for display

The dominant feature of this issue is the very displayable masthead, featuring a large engraving of a heraldic eagle with an 11-inch banner. Although we once had many of this title, this is one of our last.
Printed during the early months of the War of 1812, it is not surprising that pages 2, 3 & 4 have some war-related reports.
Four pages, a few minor binding slots at the blank spine, very nice condition.

AMERICAN PATRIOT, Concord, New Hampshire, Oct. 25, 1808

* Rare short-lived publication
* President Thomas Jefferson 

 A scarce title that existed for less than six months. This is the volume 1, number 2 issue.
The back page has a nice address: "To Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States" which begins: "Sir--As you are about voluntarily to resign the important helm of the union..." with more on his retirement from the Presidency. This is followed by Jefferson's response, headed:…

THE PEOPLE'S ADVOCATE, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Oct. 29, 1816  A very rare title which existed for just 29 issues, and only 7 institutions have any holdings, 3 of which have but a few issues. It began as a quarto size issue, but with this issue--issue #5--it enlarged to folio size. 
Not surprisingly, this is the first issue we have offered in our 47 years, having come from the private collection.
Four pages, minor margin wear, untrimmed margins, good condition.

MIDLAND GAZETTE, Texas, Feb. 7, 1890 

* Very rare Southwest publication

This is the volume 1, number 35 issue of a title we've never offered previously. Quite rare, as Gregory's "History & Bibliography of American Newspapers" notes only two institutions as having any issues, one of which deaccessioned their holdings. This issue is from that institution (Bancroft Library).
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, typical news & ads of the day, some minor margin tears, partial archival strengthening at…