Historic Newspapers: Search Results

DEADWOOD DAILY PIONEER, Black Hills, (South Dakota) May 23, 1889  A rare publication from this famous, "old west" town. This city would arguably be--along with Tombstone & Dodge City--one of the more famous of all the towns from the rough & tumble days of the Old West, and only rarely do such issues come to light. It attracted larger-than-life Old West figures including Wyatt Earp, Calamity Jane, and Wild Bill Hickok (who was killed there). "Union List of Newspapers" notes only two…

LOS ANGELES TIMES, May 21, 1980

* Best "The Empire Strikes Back" premiere advertisement
* Star Wars: Episode V - Grand Opening Day premiere 

A terrific issue on the premiere of the motion picture hit "The Empire Strikes Back" and perhaps no better newspaper could be found than this, the leading newspaper from the home of the entertainment industry - the Hollywood area's prime publication.

Background: An original May 21, 1980 issue of the Los Angeles Times holds exceptional rarity and historical…

THE GREENSBORO PATRIOT, N.C May 24, 1937
 
* John D. Rockefeller death
* Oil tycoon (nice headline w/ photos)

The top of the front page has a three column headline: "John D. Rockefeller, Sr. Giant In U. S. Business, Dies In Florida Home" with subhead and photo. (see images)
Complete with all 10 pages, light toning, good condition.

Background: John D. Rockefeller was the calculated architect of the American oil industry, a man whose legacy is defined by the tension between his ruthless pursuit of…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, May 8, 1942 

* Battle of the Coral Sea is on
* Imperial Japanese verses U.S. Navy
* USS Lexington & Yorktown fame 
* Pacific Ocean theater - aircraft carriers

The front page has a nice banner headline: "GREAT NAVAL AND AIR BATTLE RAGES IN PACIFIC" with subheads and related map. (see images) 
Complete with all 42 pages, rag edition in great condition.

Background: On May 9, 1942, both the United States and Japan issued claims about the outcome of the Battle of the Coral Sea that…

LOS ANGELES TIMES, May 29, 1977 

* Beverly Hills Supper Club fire
* Southgate, Kentucky disaster 

The top of the front page has a two column headline: "Nightclub Blaze Kills Over 120" with subhead, related map and small map. Another related photo inside. (see images) 
Complete 1st section only with all 40 pages, nice condition.

Background: On May 28, 1977, the Beverly Hills Supper Club fire in Southgate, Kentucky, claimed 165 lives and injured over 200, becoming the third-deadliest nightclub fire…

LOS ANGELES TIMES, May 8, 1983 (an original vintage newspaper leaf from the Calendar section)  This offering consists of four complete pages (two double-sided sheets on one single leaf) featuring a collectible print advertisement for upcoming live performances by "STYX" at the L.A. Forum on one of the four pages. 

In addition to the feature concert ad, which captures the era's unique promotional graphic design and typography, the surrounding pages provide a fascinating cultural snapshot of late…

NEW YORK TIMES, May 31, 1862  The front page features a very nice map headed: "RETREAT OF THE REBEL ARMY FROM CORINTH" with the map showing from New Orleans to Memphis, to Pensacola.

Among the front page column heads on the Civil War: "ANOTHER TRIUMPH" "Corinth in Possession of Gen. Halleck" "Important Events Proceeding the Evacuation" "Heavy Fighting & Important Positions Gained" "Retreat of the Rebels & Occupation of Corinth by Our Forces" and more.

Eight pages, very nice condition.

THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 27, 1779  The front page begins with two detailed reward ads for deserted soldiers.

One-third of the front page and over one-third of page 2 are taken up with the: "Report of Commissioners for Settling a Cartel for the Exchange of prisoners" this being addressed: "To his Excellency GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esquire, General and Commander in Chief of all the Forces of the United States of America."

The report begins by introducing the…

THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 2, 1782  

* American Revolutionary War

The front page begins with a lengthy report headed: "Office of Finance" signed by: Robert Morris. 
Page 2 begins with a very fine & detailed letter from Col. Stewart to Earl Cornwallis dated Sept. 9, 1781, being an account of the Battle of Eutaw Springs, South Carolina, as reported in the London Gazette. The first paragraph notes: "...have the honor to inform your Lordship that on the 8th

Sunday CALENDAR SECTION only of the Los Angeles Times, May 17, 1992

* NIRVANA alternative grunge rock band 
* Nevermind's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" era
* Curt Cobain - Dave Grohl - Krist Novoselic

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…

LOS ANGELES TIMES, May 1, 1977 (an original vintage newspaper leaf from the Calendar section)  This offering consists of four complete pages (two double-sided sheets on one single leaf) featuring a collectible print advertisement for a upcoming live performance by "ALICE COOPER" at Anaheim Stadium on one of the four pages. 

In addition to the feature concert ad, which captures the era's unique promotional graphic design and typography, the surrounding pages provide a fascinating cultural…

LOS ANGELES TIMES, May 1, 1977 (an original vintage newspaper leaf from the Calendar section) featuring a collectible print advertisement for a upcoming live performances by the ICE CAPADES" starring Dorothy Hamill at the Los Angeles Sports Arena on one of the four pages. In addition, the surrounding pages provide a fascinating cultural snapshot of late 20th-century entertainment. Printed on authentic aged newsprint with genuine vintage toning, this original leaf is not a modern reprint,…

LOS ANGELES TIMES, May 8, 1983 (an original vintage newspaper leaf from the Calendar section)  This offering consists of four complete pages (two double-sided sheets on one single leaf) featuring a collectible print advertisement for a upcoming live performance by "US FESTIVAL" at Glen Helen Regional Park on one of the four pages. 

In addition to the feature concert ad, which captures the era's unique promotional graphic design and typography, the surrounding pages provide a fascinating…

LOS ANGELES TIMES, May 8, 1983 (an original vintage newspaper leaf from the Calendar section)  This offering consists of four complete pages (two double-sided sheets on one single leaf) featuring a collectible print advertisement for a upcoming live performance by "ZZ TOP" at the L.A. Forum on one of the four pages. 

In addition to the feature concert ad, which captures the era's unique promotional graphic design and typography, the surrounding pages provide a fascinating cultural snapshot of…

DAILY WORLD, New York, May 16, 1969

* Anti-Vietnam War protest and crisis 
* University of California, Berkeley students 
* "People's Park Riots" & military occupation 

This publication, The World, represents the official voice and ideological "mouthpiece" of the Communist Party USA (CPUSA) during one of the most volatile periods of the Cold War.
The front page has a nice banner headline: "SHOTGUNS, TEARGAS FELL 128 STUDENTS" with related photo. (see images) 
This publication was largely distributed

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…

NEWARK DAILY ADVERTISER, New Jersey, May 12, 1859 

* American Chess player Paul Morphy
* vs. 5 European masters in exhibition games
* At London's St. James Chess Club 

This publication served as New Jersey’s premiere daily publication, acting as a crucial media platform and organ of public record during a pivotal period of regional industrialization and mounting national sectional crisis. By 1860, in contrast to other regional newspapers, it began to cautiously promote anti-slavery and free-soil…

TAUNTON DAILY GAZETTE, Mass., May 8, 1954

* Battle of Dien Bien Phu ends
* First Indochina War - Vietnam
* Viet Minh communist revolutionaries

The top of the front page has a four column headline: "Dien Bien Phu Fortress Falls Before Rebel Attack" with subheads. (see images)
Complete with 18 pages, light toning at the margins, some spine wear, generally in good condition.

Background: The Battle of Điện Biên Phủ, culminating in the French surrender on May 7, 1954, stands as a momentous watershed in…

THE DETROIT NEWS, May 29, 1934 

* Jewish boxer Barney Ross w/ photos
* Lightweight boxing vs. Battling Battalino

The front page of the sport's section (page 15) has a two column heading: "Ross Is Ready to Give M'Larnin Return Bout" with subhead and three related photos. (see images)
Complete with all 26 pages, rag edition in nice condition. 

Background: On May 28, 1934, boxing hall-of-famer Barney Ross achieved a historic milestone by defeating reigning World Welterweight Champion Jimmy McLarnin in…

CHICAGO DAILY TRIBUNE, May 29, 1935 

* Jewish boxer Barney Ross wins boxing title
* World Welterweight Championship fight
* vs. Jimmy McLarnin at Madison Square Garden

The front page of the sport' section has a nice banner headline: "ROSS WHIPS M'LARNIN; REGAINS WELTER TITLE" with subheads and related photo. (see images) Nice to have in this Chicago publication, the city where he lived and trained. 
Complete with all 34 pages, rag edition in very nice condition. a few small binding holes along the…

THE DAY, New London, Conn., May 8, 1931

* Francis 'Two Gun' Crowley captured
* American murderer and career criminal
* New York City Police Department shootout

The top of the front page has a one column heading: "Crowley Murder Indictment Takes Only 26 Minutes" with subhead and related pictorial. (see images)
Complete with all 24 pages, light toning at the margins, some small binding holes along the spine, generally in very nice condition.

Background: The capture and execution of Francis "Two Gun"…

THE LONDON EVENING POST, May 22, 1779

* American Revolutionary War era
* 18th century - from The Enemy 

Newspapers from England during the time of the Revolutionary War are always interesting as they give a sense as to life at that time and what political discussions were the "hot topic" of the day. Lightly inked red tax stamp on page 3.
I could find no "meaty" references to the Revolutionary War in this issue except for a front page list of "American Prisoners" (see images)
A very nice issue from…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, May 21, 1954

* Creature from the Black Lagoon - Gill-man
* Opening day (2nd) advertisement for NYC
* 3D monster horror film - movie

Page 18 has an advertisement for the second day day (regular showings) for the film "Creature from the Back Lagoon" in New York City. (see)
Sixty-four pages, a few cutouts on a few unrelated pages, including one on the front page (see image), a little staining, the theater page is fine, generally otherwise.

Background: The mid-May 1954 New York City…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, May 5, 1860 

* Famous boxing match print
* John Heenan vs. Thomas Sayers
* MISSING THE TWO FRONT LEAFS ***

The prime feature of this issue would have to be the great doublepage centerfold print captioned: "Bloody, Brutal, and Blackguard Prize-Fight In England, Between Heenan and Sayers, On April 17, 1860" which shows hundreds of spectators. This historic boxing match is considered the very first world boxing championship. It is a terrific boxing print (see). Page 2 has a…

LOS ANGELES TIMES, May 10, 1994

* John Wayne Gacy
* Serial "killer clown"
* Joel Rifkin guilty

The top of page 12 has a one column heading: "Gacy Executed in Illinois for Murders of 33" with subhead. First report coverage on the execution of American serial killer, John Wayne Gacy. (see)
Also of interest is a one column heading on page 11: "Admitted Killed Guilty in First of 17 Slayings" which was NYC serial killer Joel Rifkin.
Complete 1st section only with all 20 pages, nice condition.

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, May 8, 1936 

* Hindenburg - LZ-129 zeppelin - airship
* Very 1st flight to America - North Atlantic 
* Lakehurst, New Jersey disaster fame

The top of the front page has a one column heading: "ZEPPELIN MAKING RECORD, DUE TO ARRIVE IN U.S. AT DAWN TOMORROW" with subheads. (see images)
This was the first flight to the United States of the ill-fated Hindenburg, almost exactly one year to the day from when it would explode in flames at the same location.
Complete with all 40+…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, May 26, 1954 

* Discovery of the Khufu Ship (day of)
* A solar barque of pharaoh Khufu - Cheops
* Great Pyramid of Giza - Egypt landmark 

Near the bottom of the front page is a two column heading: "Passage Unsealed Near Pyramid Believed to Lead to Cheops's Tomb" with subhead and related map. (see images)
Complete with all 60 pages, light toning at the margins, nice condition.

Background: The opening of the Khufu Ship tomb on May 25, 1954, is considered one of the most significant…

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

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, May 8, 1938

* Lawrin wins Kentucky Derby
* American Thoroughbred racehorse

The front page of the sport's section (inside) has a nice banner headline: "LAWRIN, MISSOURI OWNED, WINS THE KENTUCKY DERBY" with subhead and nice photo of the home stretch. Another photo on page 3 of this section. (see images)
Complete with 50+ pages, light toning at the margins, small binding holes along the spine, nice condition.

background: The 1938 Kentucky Derby was a historic turning point…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, May 10, 1948 

* USS Saipan aircraft carrier makes history 
* United States Navy jet fighter squadron 17A
* Jet aircraft Age as a naval force is born

The front page has a one column heading: "JET FIGHTERS SCORE IN MAJOR SEA TEST" with subhead. (see images) 
Complete with all 44 pages, rag edition in  nice condition. 

Background: On May 6, 1948, the United States Navy decisively entered the Jet Age as Fighter Squadron 17A (VF-17A) conducted intensive carrier qualification…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, May 6, 1920

* Joseph Franklin Rutherford & Russellites
* Charges dropped for espionage - WWI
* Pastor Charles Taze Russell followers
* Christian restorationist minister
* Founder of the Jehovah's Witnesses

Page 6 has a somewhat discrete report with small heading:  "Nine Russellites Go Free" (see image)
Complete with 32 pages, light toning at the margins, irregular along the spine, generally in good condition.

Background: The May 6, 1920, edition of The New York Times details the…

CHICAGO DAILY TRIBUNE, May 28, 1935 

* Schechter Poultry Corp. v. United States
* re. Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal
* Supreme Court decision (1st report)

Front page has a nice banner headline for display: "COURT KILLS NRA AND CODES with various subheads. (see images) More on page 2. Loads of text. Always nice to have notable events in history reported in this World famous publication.
Complete with all 38 pages, rag edition in very nice condition. A few small binding holes along the spine. 

Backgr…

THE KNICKERBOCKER PRESS, May 6, 1934 

* Bank robber John Dillinger gang
* Hunted in the Chicago area 
* Woman friend Beth Green 

The top of page 4 has a one column heading: "WOMAN FRIEND HID DILLINGER IN ST. PAUL HOUSE" with subhead. (see images) 
Complete with all 40+ pages, light toning at the margins, binding slits along the spine, generally nice.

Background: Beth Green’s 15-month prison sentence for harboring the gang—holds immense historical significance because it perfectly captures the…

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

THE DETROIT FREE PRESS, May 31, 1934 

* Dust Bowl - Great Depression era 
* Midwest farms face devastation 

The top of the front page has a five column headline: "U.S. Ready to Slaughter a Million Cattle as Drought Scorches Midwestern Farms, Threatening Crop Curtailers with Famine" with subheads. (see images) 
Complete with all 22 pages, light toning and a little wear at the margins, small library stamp within the masthead, generally good. 

Background: This May 31, 1934 issue of The Detroit Free…

THE DETROIT NEWS, May 27, 1963 

* "Jeff the Seal" - sea lion
* Niagara Falls plunge folklore 

The front page has a one column heading: "Seal Does a Flip Over Niagara" with photo showing Tommy Haines, the boy who spotted "Jeff the Seal" down river. (see images)
Complete with 40+ pages, small binding holes along the spine, small address stamp in the masthead, generally nice.

Background: In late May 1963, the dramatic escape and recapture of "Jeff the Seal"—actually a California sea lion—became a…

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, May 7, 1936 

* Hindenburg - LZ-129 zeppelin - airship
* Very 1st flight to America - North Atlantic 
* Lakehurst, New Jersey disaster fame

The top of the front page has a one column heading: "GERMAN AIRSHIP OVER ATLANTIC ON WAY TO U. S." with subheads and related map. (see images) 
This was the first flight to the United States of the ill-fated Hindenburg, almost exactly one year to the day from when it would explode in flames at this same location.
Complete with all 40+…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, May 22, 1954

* Creature from the Black Lagoon - Gill-man
* Third day premiere advertisement for NYC
* 3D monster horror film - movie

Page 8 has a 3 1/2 x 3 inch advertisement for the third day premiere (regular showings) for a double feature showing of "Phantom of the Rue Morgue" and "Creature from the Back Lagoon" in New York City. (see)
Complete with 30 pages, light toning at the margins, nice condition. 

Background: The presence of the legendary RKO Palace Theatre on a May 22,…

THE DETROIT FREE PRESS, May 30, 1934

* Jackson Barnett death (1st report)
* "The World's Richest Indian"
* Oklahoma oil wells owner
* Muscogee Creek Native American

Page 5 has a two column heading: "Richest Indian Found Dead in His Mansion in California" with subhead. (see images)
Complete with 20 pages, light toning and a little wear along the margins, generally good. 

Background: The life and legacy of Muscogee (Creek) landowner Jackson Barnett (c. 1856–1934), famously dubbed "The World's Richest…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, May 5, 1944

* Alexander Fleming
* Penicillin - Penicillium
* Made available for public use
* World War II - WWII 

The front page has a two column heading: "Public to Get Penicillin Through 1,000 Hospitals" See below for background.
Complete in 34 pages, rag edition in great condition.

Background: This complete, 34-page issue of The New York Times from May 5, 1944, is a highly prized historical artifact that captures the exact dawn of the antibiotic age. Featuring a front-page…

THE DAY, New London, Connecticut, May 7 & 8, 1931

* Battle of Evarts - Coal miners - mining
* Harland County Wars - Kentucky

Here is a pair of consecutive issues with the May 7th issue having a small one column heading: "Mine Disorder Region Denied Military Guard" 
And the May 8th issue also has a one column heading on the front page: "300 Guardsmen Patrol Kentucky Strike Region" (see images)
Each issue is complete with 16 & 22 pages, light toning at the margins, small binding holes along the…

THE DETROIT NEWS, May 15, 1934

* 6 year old June Robles found alive 
* Desert cage box - Tucson, Arizona 
* William Gettle kidnapping case 

The top of the front page has a seven column headline: "KIDNAPED HEIRESS AND GETTLE FREED" with subheads and photo. (see images) 
Complete with all 40 pages, rag edition in very nice condition.

Background: This rare, 40-page rag edition of The Detroit News from May 15, 1934, stands as a pristine, museum-quality artifact of Depression-era true crime, capturing…

BOSTON EVENING TRANSCRIPT, May 26, 1939

* Fritz Julius Kuhn arrested
* German American Bund leader
* For public drunkenness & profanity
* Madison Square Garden rally fame
* German-American Nazis 

The top of the front page has a two column heading: "Kuhn, Bund Leader, Is Arrested On Auto Trip for Drunkenness" with subhead. (see images) 
Complete with all 32 pages, rag edition in nice condition.

Background: The arrest of Fritz Kuhn, the "Bundesführer" of the pro-Nazi German American Bund, for public…

LOS ANGELES TIMES, May 24, 1989

* Best "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" film advertisement
* Grand Opening Day movie premiere review
* Steven Spielberg - Harrison Ford

A terrific issue on the premiere of the motion picture hit "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" and perhaps no better issue could be found than this, the leading newspaper from the home of the entertainment industry - the Hollywood area's prime publication.

Note: Where else might one find authentic, poster-size ads for Opening…

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, May 29, 1819 and March 5, 1825  

* Precursor to the Jew Bill - extremely historic
* Equal rights for Jews - voting
* Henry Marie Brackenridge's speech

A pair of issues on the passage of the Maryland "Jew Bill".

May 29, 1819 issue: Certainly the best content is full text of the speech presented by of H.M. Brackenridge in the Maryland House of Delegates when the Jew Bill was under consideration. The text of Brackenridge's speech is headed: "Religious Liberty" and…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, May 9, 1931

* Early Jim Londos "The Golden Greek"
* Early professional wrestling match
* vs. Renato Gardini in New York City

Page 21 has a one column heading: "9,000 Watch Londos Pin Gardini In 21:15" and subhead. (see images)
I suspect this to be an extremely rare item because there was really no reason to save it at the time.
Complete with all 38 pages, light toning at the margins, a little irregular along the spine, generally in very nice condition.

Background: The historical

THE VILLAGE VOICE (weekly), Greenwich Village, New York, May 2, 1968

* Grateful Dead concert in Electric Circus
* East village performance advertisement
* Jerry Garcia - Bob Weir - Ron "Pigpen" McKernan
* HAIR, the musical opens on Broadway at the Biltmore

Page 34 has a 9 1/2 x 7 1/2 inch advertisement for "GRATEFUL DEAD" for there performances at the Electric Circus in East Village.
Background: In May 1968, the Grateful Dead played a brief but evocative stand at The Electric Circus, the psychedelic…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, May 6, 1931

* Early Jim Londos "The Golden Greek"
* Early professional wrestling match
* vs. Fred Carone in Newark, New Jersey

Page 31 has a somewhat discrete report with a one column heading: "Londos Throws Carone" and subhead. (see image)
I suspect this to be an extremely rare item because there was really no reason to save it at the time.
Complete with all 52 pages, rag edition in very nice condition.

Background: The historical significance of the May 5, 1931, matchup between

THE DETROIT FREE PRESS, May 28, 1963 

* Willi Unsoeld and Barry Bishop
* Mountaineers - Mount Everest Expedition 
* First American team to reach the summit 
* Extreme hardships on the ascent (frostbite toes)

The front page has a banner heading: "They Kicked Each Other to Stay Alive" with subhead and photo. (see images) 
Complete with all 40+ pages, library stamp just above the heading, small binding holes along the spine, generally very nice.

Background: The historic 1963 traverse and subsequent…

LOS ANGELES TIMES, May 15, 2004

* Kyle Busch's very 1st NASCAR series racing victory
* Funai 250 at Richmond International Raceway - race

Page 11 has a somewhat discrete report under "Motor Racing" which reports Kyle Busch's win in the National Series at Richmond. This was his very 1st NASCAR series victory. (see images)  This series didn't get as much attention as the Cup resulting in the brief report here. 
I suspect this to be an extremely rare item because there was really no reason to save it…