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Rare issue printed on "necessity paper"...
Rare issue printed on "necessity paper"...
Item # 695544
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July 07, 1873
THE SEMI-WEEKLY ARGUS, Port Townsend, W.T. [Washington Territory], July 7, 1873 Quite early from Washington, and 16 years before it would become a state. But the most intriguing aspect of the issue is the yellow paper upon which it is printed.
This is an example of “necessity paper”, to which publishers had to resort during times when regular newsprint wasn’t viable. Given Port Townsend’s relative remoteness in the Northwest at the time, I would suspect supply routes were often questionable a best.
We have encountered newspapers printed on paper with a wide assortment of colors, as well as wrapping paper, cornhusk paper, wallpaper, lined notebook paper. tissue paper, etc. Such editions were typically very short-lived, perhaps a few days, until supply chains could be re-established.
The front page is entirely taken up with ads, news reports on page 2, and a mix of content on pages 3 and 4.
Four pages, 9 1/2 by 13 1/4 inches, a few small binding indents at the blank spine, and a few small holes to the back leaf. Very nice condition on high-quality paper. Note: The photo of the entire front page shows the true color.
Category: The Old West
No Longer Available
