Tuesday, January 10, 2023

Will Work While Not in School

Many moons ago, I received a nice pile of old Eastern Argus copies.

This Portland, Maine newspaper was published for over 100 years, starting in the very early 1800s. The Portland Public Library has microfilm versions of it from 1803 to 1921, but there is no way to compare with holding a copy of it in your hands! 

The paper is soft and cottony, and it was printed using movable metal type, producing texture and a much more enjoyable reading experience than the inky flat newsprint of today. In the Friday issue of December 9, 1836, among the advertisers is:

A YOUNG MAN, From the country, being anxious to attend School, either day or evening, -- will work in a family, at a very reasonable rate, whilst not at school. Inquiries at this office.
I do love creative problem solving.

1 comment:

Michelle Souliere said...

Hello David and Betty!

The next time I run across my copies I will check, but I seem to recall the issues were much later than that. You can try contacting Abraham Schechter at the Portland Public Library's "Portland Room" as I know they have a cabinet full of microfilm issues of the Argus. You may have more luck there. :)

Their contact info can be found here: https://www.portlandlibrary.com/locations/downtown/portland-room/