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A unique newspaper, existing for just this one, single-purpose issue?
A unique newspaper, existing for just this one, single-purpose issue?
Item # 712178
July 04, 1894
THE TRAINWRECKER, Pond Creek, Oklahoma Territory, July 4, 1894 Not just rare, this could be a unique issue being the volume 1, number 1 issue of a newspaper about which nothing can be found. It is not listed in Gregory's "Union List of Newspapers".
Its purpose is noted on the front page, as it seemed to have a singular focus: the dispute the area had with the Rock Island Railroad.
As a bit of background, I might encourage a visit to "Hell on Rails: Oklahoma Towns at War with the Rock Island Railroad", which details the backdrop for the reason for this newspaper's existence.
The issue begins with: "The only paper in the Cherokee Strip capable and willing to take up and handle without gloves the action of the Rock Island Railroad, in the pursuance of their policy to rule or ruin."
Then the "Salutary" which begins: "In placing the TRAINWRECKER before the public, we ask for no sympathy--realizing full well the step we have taken. Our object is to give to the people of L county a complete account of the fight between the Rock Island railroad and Pond Creek, the county seat of L county and the only live, energetic city in the Strip..." with much more not just on the front page but on inside pages as well.
It is possible this newspaper existed for just this one issue, but without documenting records we cannot confirm.
Four pages, 10 3/4 by 13 3/4 inches, printed on green paper, never bound nor trimmed, minor wear at margins, good condition.
Category: Post-Civil War
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$345.00
