RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION IN SCHOOLS RULED UNCONSTITUTIONAL

THE SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE

The New York Times
March 9, 1948

In a controversial (to this day) 8-1 ruling, the Supreme Court declared that religious instruction in public school buildings was unconstitutional. A mother in Champaign, Illinois, who was an avowed atheist, complained that her son felt “embarrassed” by being the only child in his schoolroom not attending religious classes under a local plan.” Justice Hugo Black stated for the court that the use of tax-supported property for dissemination of religious doctrines violated the Constitutional concept of separation of church and state, first written in an 1801 letter of Thomas Jefferson.–Jefferson was separating the institutions of church and state. However, the 1948 ruling, according to some experts, turned the First Amendment to the Constitution on its head, by separating religion and civil government at all levels including state and local governments.

In other news, there is are large front page headlines announcing, “TRUMAN AND M’ARTHUR WILL ACCEPT NOMINATIONS FOR THE PRESIDENCY, THEY SAY, IF CHOSEN BY CONVENTIONS.” “PRESIDENT READY. HE WILL NOT BACK DOWN ON PALESTINE, CIVIL RIGHTS STANDS.” Meanwhile, General Douglas MacArthur “WOULD MEET DUTY.”  “General Says He Would Be ‘Recreant’ to Balk Call of the People.” “DOES NOT COVET OFFICE.” See scans for photos of Gen. MacArthur and President Harry Truman.

This is the complete 48-page special rag paper edition of the Times in near mint condition. 

$495

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under The 20th + 21st Centuries, All Historic Newspapers 

LINDBERGH FLIES THE ATLANTIC!

Charles Lindbergh’s own account of the History-Making Flight

Stamford Advocate
Stamford, Connecticut
May 23, 1927

Huge headline: “SEEK CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR FOR LINDBERGH.” The intrepid flyer, who had just flown solo across the Atlantic Ocean from New York to Paris, tells his own story of the historic flight. “HOW LINDBERGH ACCOMPLISHED N.Y. PARIS TRIP.” Flying partly through a sleet storm, sometimes only ten feet above the water, Lindbergh casually said, “I was lucky…I found a happy medium and flew through the worst of the storm….I was more frightened by the crowds at Le Bourget (airport) than at any time during the trip. If I hadn’t gotten out of the plane they would have broken it up.” In another of many articles headed, “AIRPLANE IS GIVEN MOST CREDIT FOR TRIP BY LINDBERGH,”the pilot praised his famous “Spirit of St. Louis” single-engine aircraft for getting him threw. (The original plane is now in the Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum in Washington).  Also, please see the large bust photo of Capt. Lindbergh smack on the front page!  Inside there is an incredible radio photograph sent when “Lucky Lindy” landed at Le Bourget in Paris. (see scans)

The newspaper is complete, contains 18 pages, and is in very fine, clean condition–very well preserved.  This one won’t last long!

$575

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under The 20th + 21st Centuries, All Historic Newspapers 

BARACK OBAMA ELECTED PRESIDENT

Becomes the Nation’s First Black President

The Washington Post
Election Special - Commemorative Edition
Wednesday, November 5, 2008

“OBAMA MAKES HISTORY” announces the headline.  “U.S. DECISIVELY ELECTS FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT. DEMOCRATS EXPAND CONTROL OF CONGRESS.”  Barack Hussein Obama handily defeats Arizona Senator John McCain who was unable to overcome his Republican ties (real or imagined) to the Bush Administration.  Senator Obama addressed a crowd of 125,000 in Chicago’s Grant Park saying, “If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.”

This special same-day Commemorative issue of the Post was printed when all regular editions had been swept off the newsstands everywhere. And, then this special edition was sold out in very short order as well as people were lined up waiting for the delivery trucks!!

You get the complete 26-page newspaper in mint, unread condition. We have less than a handful to sell so please call or email your order!

$45

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under Presidents, The 20th + 21st Centuries, All Historic Newspapers 

THE DEMISE OF THE SOVIET UNION!

“Soviet Union is laid to rest”
“Republics form Commonwealth of Independent States”

The Sunday (Washington) Times
Washington, DC
December 22, 1991

This historic newspaper makes the startling announcement of the end of the great Soviet Empire.  Eleven former republics declare their independence from the great Russian Bear.  The United States was expected to recognize the new Commonwealth within a matter of days as were most other nations. The front page contains a photograph of new leader Boris Yeltsin signing the official papers.  Events like the war in Afghanistan (Russia’s “Vietnam”), the nuclear disaster at Chernobyl, rise of younger Communists, the strength of President Ronald Reagan, Soviet economic collapse, and the rise of Gorbachev, all led to the fall of the Soviet Empire. 

This is the complete Sunday edition in virtually mint condition–you’ll think it was delivered this morning!  Wonderful historic newspaper.

$110

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under The 20th + 21st Centuries, All Historic Newspapers 

PRESIDENT BUSH WINS 2000 ELECTION….BEFORE THE FLA. RECOUNT!

“Florida pushes Texan over the top with bare majority”
The (soon-to-be) disputed election of 2000
Hillary Rodham Clinton Elected to the U.S. Senate

The Washington Times
November 8, 2000

Here is a simply great headline announcing the election of George W. Bush after the race in Florida was finally called….only to be disputed and fought-over for the next month both in recounts and in the courts. The paper announces: “PRESIDENT BUSH” and shows a front page color photograph of Gov. Bush and Laura Bush.  The lead story begins, “George W. Bush, the son of the president who was vanquished by the Clinton-Gore team eight years ago, avenged his father early this morning by defeating Al Gore, creating only the second father-son presidential dynasty in history.”  This historic issue also contains numerous headlines, photos, stories and maps detailing the entire 2000 election and return of a Republican to the Oval Office.

In addition, the front page carries the report that Hillary Clinton has been elected to the U.S. Senate from New York (”I’ve always been a Yankees fan.”). 

This virtually mint condition issue contains the first two sections, lacking only advertisements and local news–it’s the way I received it. A must for a serious Presidential collection.

$55

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under Presidents, The 20th + 21st Centuries, All Historic Newspapers 

9/11 - THE ATTACK ON THE TWIN TOWERS AND PENTAGON

HIJACKERS DESTROY THE WORLD TRADE CENTER AND RAM THE PENTAGON
THOUSAND OF INNOCENT PEOPLE KILLED - PEOPLE JUMP OUT OF WINDOWS
GRAPHIC PHOTOS OF THE GREAT TRAGEDY

The New York Times
September 12, 2001

“U.S. ATTACKED” screams the famous Times headline to a shocked American populace. “HIJACKED JETS DESTROY TWIN TOWERS AND HIT PENTAGON IN DAY OF TERROR.”  “President Vows to Exact Punishment for ‘Evil’” Here is the now famous New York Times issue announcing the terrorist attacks on America and including many of the most graphic photographs taken that day including a man tumbling from the Trade Center to his death to avoid the intense heat and flames that consumed the Twin Towers.  The story says, in part, “The attacks seemed carefully coordinated. The hijacked planes were all en route to California, and therefore gorged with fuel, and their departures were spaced within and hour and 40 minutes.”

This highly sought-after newspaper is complete and in mint condition as issued. See the scans for just some of the photos, headlines and stories. I only have one issue at this point–they’ve become tough to locate of late.

$75

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under The 20th + 21st Centuries, All Historic Newspapers 

U.S. GOES OFF THE GOLD STANDARD

gold-standard-hf.jpgFDR’S PROCLAMATION TO HELP THE ECONOMY
DURING THE GREAT DEPRESSION

PRIVATE CITIZENS MUST TURN IN THEIR GOLD

The New York Times
April 20, 1933

The Times half page triple-tiered headlines announce, “GOLD STANDARD DROPPED TEMPORARILY TO AID PRICES AND OUR WORLD POSITION; BILL READY FOR CONTROLLED INFLATION.”  President Franklin D. Roosevelt nationalizes gold owned by private citizens and abrogates contracts in which payment was specified in gold.  Currency could never again be exchanged for gold! (The Act of April 5, 1933, read in part: “Section 2.  All persons are hereby required to deliver on or before May 1, 1933, to a Federal Reserve bank or a branch or agency thereof or to any member bank of the Federal Reserve System all gold coin, gold bullion, and gold certificates now owned by them or coming into their ownership on or before April 28, 1933…” with some exceptions such as gold used in industry, and that up to $100 face value in gold coins could be kept by collectors.)  As a coin collector/dealer/appraiser myself, I found this section quite fascinating. 

This most historic issue also contains a front page article on Hitler and Germany, fighting in China, and a good deal more historic reading.  Of course, this is the complete 38-page newspaper with news, sports, movies and much more. It’s a hard one to keep in stock–I don’t know where my next will come from…or if there will be a next time!  I’d frame it for a den or office as it does make a great conversation piece.

$350

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Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under The 20th + 21st Centuries, All Historic Newspapers 

BANDLEADER GLENN MILLER’S AIRPLANE MISSING

glenn-miller-article.jpg“Former Orchestra Leader Had Been Conducting Bands
of the Army Air Forces Since Enlistment–Won Many Honors”

The New York Times
December 25, 1944

This historic Times newspaper publishes the shocking news that Major Glenn Miller, who conducted one of the most successful dance bands in the Swing Era, was missing on a flight from England to Paris where he was heading to join his Army Air Force Orchestra.  The page four headline sadly reads: “Major Glenn Miller Is Missing On Flight From England to Paris.”  The story reads, in part, “His Air Force Band had been playing in Paris. No members of the band were with him on the plane.  He last led his band in a broadcast Dec. 12. His band, scheduled to broadcast over BBC tomorrow at 7 P.M. in the ‘AEF Christmas Show,’ will be conducted by Sgt. Jerry Gray, deputy leader.”The article also contains a wonderful photograph of the beloved bandleader in his military uniform.

Miller, who had such enduring hits as “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” “In The Mood,” “Tuxedo Junction,” and his theme, “Moonlight Serenade,” was a fine trombonist, arranger and bandleader who sold millions of records in the late 1930s and early 1940s. His orchestra also starred in two major motion pictures, and his music continues to live on in both older people who and today’s youth who have learned to swing dance.

This is the complete and original rag paper edition in virtually mint condition as printed on Christmas Day in 1944.  See the scan for the huge Times triple-tiered WWII headlines on the Battle of the Bulge at the time the weather cleared enough for a huge Allied air counterattack on the surprise Nazi drive in the Ardennes Forrest in eastern Belgium and Luxembourg.  Great war photos, too!  I had a devil of a time finding this paper as I am a jazz saxophonist myself and grew up listening to Glenn Miller’s records of my parents.  A fantastic opportunity!

$450

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Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under The 20th + 21st Centuries, World War II, All Historic Newspapers 

SACCO & VANZETTI EXECUTED FOR MURDER

s-and-v-hf.jpg“SACCO AND VANZETTI DIE FOR DOUBLE MURDER;
BOTH MAKE FAREWELL SPEECHES IN THE CHAIR”

Public Ledger
Philadelphia
August 23, 1927

Ferdinando Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti were accused of the murders of Frederick Parmenter, a paymaster, and Alessandro Berardelli, a security guard during a robbery of  $15,776.51 from the Slater-Morrill Shoe Company, on Pearl Street in South Braintree, Massachusetts during the afternoon of April 15, 1920.  The two men were followers of major anarchists and became caught up in anti-Communist circles–some say the two were framed for political reasons.  This historic newspaper has the complete details of the execution by electric chair, as well as the condemned men’s last words. Subheads read: “I AM INNOCENT! CRIES VANZETTI; FORGIVES FOES. ” “Long Live the Anarchy!’ Sacco Shouts as Cap is Adjusted.” “FAREWELL MY WIFE AND FRIENDS.”

Pages six and seven have extensive coverage of the trial and a concise history of the case against them–it’s quite fascinating to read. There are also photos of both men on page six.

This is the complete newspaper in good condition with usual browning and some chipping at the spine. It’s completely intact and certainly one of the only surviving issues of this famous event in American history. This is really a rare opportunity. My advice would be to read the paper first and then have it framed - it would make a great conversation piece.

$320

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under The 20th + 21st Centuries, All Historic Newspapers 

THE TREASURES OF KING TUT!

king-tuts-tomb-ff.jpgFAMOUS PHAROAH’S TOMB REVEALED!

The New York Times
Special Rotogravure Section
February 11, 1923

The incredible newly-uncovered treasures of King Tutankhamen’s Tomb are displayed for all America to see. This special photo section of the Times contains three huge photographs of the Pharoah’s fabulous treasure including one of two actual life-size statues of the minor Egyptian ruler.  Among the tomb’s contents are the casket containing the King’s ceremonial robes, mummified food(!), gold animal statues, alabaster vases, and much more.

The tomb of King Tut had been recently discovered y the Earl of Carnarvon’s Party in the Valley of the Kings near the Ancient Thebes. It created quite a stir–exhibitions of these treasures still draw huge crowds worldwide.  The discovery of the tomb’s contents certainly proved the adage, “You can’t take it with you!”

4 pp., in nice condition with corner tear pp. 3 & 4, but not affecting any of the Tut material. Extremely scarce, and a “treasure” in itself.

$350

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Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under The 20th + 21st Centuries, All Historic Newspapers 

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