The City Record and Boston News-Letter

City Record Featured in the official Everything Type Pad weblog

The good folks at TypePad, my blog host, have featured the City Record and Boston News-Letter in their roundup of Boston blogs which use TypePad.  If you're looking to upgrade from a free blog host, I can recommend TypePad without reservation.

Mapping Blog Posts

I'm testing another new blog feature--a map which let me show the reader various locations mentioned in the City Record and Boston News-Letter posts.  You will see the map at the top of the column to the right.  To see a larger map, click here or click the "see big map" link under the small map to the right. When you get to the large map, you can click on the places listed in the right hand column for more information.  Please let me know if you find this to be a useful tool.  I will be adding more places soon.

Technical Stuff About the City Record and Boston News-Letter Which May Be of Interest Only to Me

A reader emailed me yesterday requesting that I switch my feed from excerpts of my posts to full text.  I was happy to oblige, and simply made some adjustments to the feed heater and purifier (shown above--click all images in this post to enlarge) which connects my blog to the readers.  My posts enter in through the left, get processed, and emerge ready for use out the right.  I don't think the grit extractor is working however, because the typos still seem to get through.  Isn't it fascinating how the internet works? Now all of you using newsreaders to view the City Record can see the full post without having to come visit the City Record to read the entire post.  Promise me you'll still come visit the actual blog once in a while--I like having people comment.

You will notice in the upper right-hand column a link that says "Subscribe to the City Record and Boston News-Letter".  This makes it possible to quickly add the City Record to your own newsreader.  I personally use the New England Newspaper Bureau to read my news:

  Also in the right hand column is a box where you can submit your email address if you prefer to receive an email update each time I post.  When you enter your email address it goes through this device:

I have received a slightly disapproving email asking about the placement of the Google ads in the actual posts.  This is currently a test to gauge the efficacy of different ad placements.  Readers who click on the Google ads help the City Record earn its keep.

I've turned my blog into a widget that you can then add to your own blog.  Why one would do this, I'm not quite sure, but I'm always interested in new blogging ideas.

I'm currently working on the first City Record podcast, which will likely take the form of a narrated walking tour.  I hope to finish soon, but I'm still learning the ins and outs of the podcast producer, which, as you can see, has a number of features:

Finally, if you've any interest in Boston history and would like to write or photograph something for the City Record, I'm always happy to hear ideas for contributions.  Email me!

Where Does All This Stuff Come From?

The City Record desk, in a rare state of cleanliness.

Georgia (of the Local Ecology blog) left a comment a while ago on the Boston Tea Party post, saying "I would be interested in an entry about how you acquire(d) and organize(d) your collection of historical documents."

 

Books

Over the years I've built up a small collection of Boston related materials.  My first purchases were books I acquired while writing a thesis on Boston's West End. Depending on your needs and interests, books are the cornerstone of any collection of historical materials about Boston.  You can see my collection of Boston related books here, or look at a brief list of recommended books about Boston.  I've had some fortunate finds:  I purchased the New England Begins: The Seventeenth Century 3 volume exhibition catalog for $9 at the Bryn Mawr Bookshop about eight years ago.  If you can find it now it sells for upwards of $500.  In general, the Brattle Book Shop on West Street is a good place to start hunting for books.  How do I organize my books?  LibraryThing, which makes inventorying one's books a breeze.

Maps and Prints

Maps and prints are problematic, because so many of them have been removed from their original context, the book or pamphlet or newspaper into which they were initially bound.  This presents a dilemma for people (okay, some people) who buy them, especially on Ebay.  One never knows the true source of the map--was it taken from a book in a library somewhere?  Did the seller acquire the book with the map in it, remove the map, and discard the book?  Questions like these have made me hesitant to purchase from an unknown seller unless I can be certain of the source.  Likewise, I don't buy altered maps and prints.  I see so many black and white illustrations (usually from places like Gleason's Pictorial) which have been hand colored in an effort to make them more appealing to purchasers--I like my maps and prints in their original form.

I generally remove maps from the books I own, primarily for conservation reasons but also because I actually use the maps.  Maps, especially maps which fold into books, are very susceptible to damage.  I clean the maps, mend small tears with archival materials, and try to store the maps flat (does anyone know where I can find a cheap flat file cabinet?).  For example, about a year ago I purchased an 1896 book listing all of the streets in Boston.  Included in the book were twelve or so maps of new street layouts, all of which were showing use damage.  Taking the maps out of the book and repairing them halted any further damage to the maps but sacrificed the integrity of the book.  Professional conservators will cringe, I'm sure.  But this brings up another issue with collecting historical materials:  how do you plan to conserve and keep them? 

Photographs

I don't actively collect Boston photographs, as places like the Bostonian Society and Historic New England already have most of what I could possibly want.  I do have some however that I have purchased because of their apparent rarity or subject matter--this photograph of a building on Lincoln Street is an example of a photograph which likely doesn't exist elsewhere.  If one is interested in collecting photographs, stereocards are often cheap but require a viewer for full effect.  For those unfamiliar with stereocard viewers, think of them as the Victorian equivalent of the Viewmaster.

Other Stuff

The most valuable item in my collection, to my knowledge, is an engraved copper plate used to print a map showing an aqueduct route to Boston in 1838.  I purchased it on Ebay several years ago.  In general I don't buy Boston related objects.  This is partly because of space constraints but also for financial reasons.  I'm not an antique collector per se, so as much as I might like to own a side table made in late 18th century Boston, I don't feel compelled to buy one--if I really need to examine one up close I can find a place to do so, saving me thousands of dollars.  On the other hand,I do have quite a few Boston postcards.  These are an easy and fun way to start building up a collection of Boston materials--you will often see lots of 50 or 100 Boston postcards being auctioned on Ebay.  I also have a number of albums by Boston bands but this is because I like the music, not because of the Boston connection.

As to where to find all of this stuff, Ebay has made it easier, but I would rather be poking around a flea market or garage sale.  Half the fun is the discovery.  I'd be interested in knowing more about what Boston related things other people collect or interesting objects they might have.  If you'd like to write about them for the City Record, email me or leave a comment.

 

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The City Record and Boston News-Letter Turns Two

Today marks the second anniversary of the City Record and Boston News-Letter, which means that I have been in business about twice as a long as the first City Record and Boston News-Letter, which began publication on 5 November 1825 and lasted for only a year.  I'd like to thank all of my readers--the hardcore Boston history junkies, the casual browsers, the folks who can't properly form Google searches or believe that they will actually find photographs of the Boston Massacre.  I've found reader emails a constant source of information and my commenters are greatly appreciated.  I would have bought a cake for all of us to share but I'm still working on the leftover Halloween candy.  Maybe next year we can all get together at some historically appropriate venue to celebrate.  I have put on my best bathrobe to write this post however, so don't think I'm not thinking of all of you.  If you want to buy me a present, this book would be an excellent gift, otherwise just head out and visit a museum sometime soon and support local history, wherever you may be.

I've had 66,760 visitors in two years (the actual number is higher because I only began using StatCounter in March of 2005 but let's just pretend), a number which I find incredible, and traffic is increasing each month. 


The City Record and Boston News-Letter survived the winter of 2005, which actually lasted from June 2005 to the end of September 2005, when the City Record completely fell out of Google for reasons unknown-I went from 2000 visitors in May 2005 to 273 in June 2005 and you couldn't find the City Record in Google to save your life.  Then, inexplicably, Google found me again and traffic started growing.

My first post, which was the statement of purpose for Abel Bowen's City Record and Boston News-Letter (the masthead of which can be seen at the top of this page), can be read below.  While I've succeeded in accomplishing some of the goals outlined byBowen, I am still far off on others.  I hope all of you will keep reading and track my progress.

From the City Record and Boston News-Letter Volume 1, Number 1
November 5, 1825

Proposals by Abel Bowen, No. 2 , Congress-Square, For Publishing the City Record and Boston News-Letter

"Notwithstanding the multitude of publications which traverse every section of the United States, the heralds of daily intelligence, there is not one which has for it subject a course precisely like that which is there submitted to the public.  Our motto is, Observe and Preserve, and in doing this, it will be the ambition of the publisher and editor of the City Record, to draw from the mouldering archives of our forefathers the reminiscences of former times, and systematize those important local events, which will serve the future historian.  The first newspaper ever issued in North America was the “Boston News-Letter,” which continued for seventy-two years to be a faithful record of passing events.  We have revived the name, and hope to emulate the reputation of such and honest chronicler.

The City Record and Boston News-Letter will embrace a particular account of whatever occurs in Boston and its vicinity, or an interesting character, which may be of consequence to the present or future generations, embracing a minute detail of whatever is acted upon in the City Council, with a due regard to speeches and debates; reports of trials before the Police and Municipal courts, the laws, odinances, etc.; with obituary notices of distinguished individuals.

There will also be a systematic chronicle of the most remarkable events in America and other parts of the known world,--accompanied with observations on the prospects of this and other great commercial cities.

A distinct historical department is one of the prime considerations with the publisher, with strict reference to a collection of facts, which shall further elucidate the history of this City, and bring down to posterity a knowledge of those men who have contributed to its importance.

A portion of the Record will be exclusively set apart for such advertisements as require to be kept in existence; copy rights;--notices of removals; new establishments of business; formation and dissolution of partnerships; sales of real estates, etc. and etc.

In order to render it a volume of value, as a book of reference, a complete index will be given at the close of the year.  Thus is given a general sketch of what we shall undertake, and what we hope, by the patronage of a liberal minded public, to accomplish."

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From the City Record and Boston News-Letter Volume 1, Number 1
November 5, 1825

Proposals by Abel Bowen, No. 2 , Congress-Square, For Publishing the City Record and Boston News-Letter

"Notwithstanding the multitude of publications which traverse every section of the United States, the heralds of daily intelligence, there is not one which has for it subject a course precisely like that which is there submitted to the public.  Our motto is, Observe and Preserve, and in doing this, it will be the ambition of the publisher and editor of the City Record, to draw from the mouldering archives of our forefathers the reminiscences of former times, and systematize those important local events, which will serve the future historian.  The first newspaper ever issued in North America was the “Boston News-Letter,” which continued for seventy-two years to be a faithful record of passing events.  We have revived the name, and hope to emulate the reputation of such and honest chronicler.

The City Record and Boston News-Letter will embrace a particular account of whatever occurs in Boston and its vicinity, or an interesting character, which may be of consequence to the present or future generations, embracing a minute detail of whatever is acted upon in the City Council, with a due regard to speeches and debates; reports of trials before the Police and Municipal courts, the laws, odinances, etc.; with obituary notices of distinguished individuals.

There will also be a systematic chronicle of the most remarkable events in America and other parts of the known world,--accompanied with observations on the prospects of this and other great commercial cities.

A distinct historical department is one of the prime considerations with the publisher, with strict reference to a collection of facts, which shall further elucidate the history of this City, and bring down to posterity a knowledge of those men who have contributed to its importance.

A portion of the Record will be exclusively set apart for such advertisements as require to be kept in existence; copy rights;--notices of removals; new establishments of business; formation and dissolution of partnerships; sales of real estates, etc. and etc.

In order to render it a volume of value, as a book of reference, a complete index will be given at the close of the year.  Thus is given a general sketch of what we shall undertake, and what we hope, by the patronage of a liberal minded public, to accomplish."

Something to Think About As We Celebrate the Fourth of July

"It is a remarkable characteristic of an enlightened state of public opinion, though resulting from the operation of obvious principles, that a greater degree of power may be introduced into a frame of government, which has its origin in the people themselves; and that this power may be exercised with less public excitement and discontent, than a similar degree of power under a system which has its origin in an irresponsible source."

John Adams Dix, Sketch of Resources of the City of New York (1827)

I will be back on July 9th and am optimistic that I will have some reviews of new (and newish) books about Boston.  Have a happy and safe Fourth of July!

Want to Write About Boston's History?

Do you love Boston's history and architecture?  Are you a writer? A photographer?  The City Record and Boston News-Letter is looking for contributors with a passion for Boston's history and architecture.  We are looking for:

* Reviews of new (and old) books about Boston
* Architectural criticism
* Commentary on current development issues
* Photo essays
* Whatver strikes your fancy, as long as it relates to our mission.  As Abel Bowen wrote in 1825: 

"Notwithstanding the multitude of publications which traverse every section of the United States, the heralds of daily intelligence, there is not one which has for it subject a course precisely like that which is there submitted to the public.  Our motto is, Observe and Preserve, and in doing this, it will be the ambition of the publisher and editor of the City Record, to draw from the mouldering archives of our forefathers the reminiscences of former times, and systematize those important local events, which will serve the future historian."

While you won't get paid, you will be part of the most popular blog devoted to Boston's history and architecture.  Okay, okay, we're the only blog covering these subjects.  But that still makes us the most popular.  The City Record and Boston News-Letter has a loyal and growing audience and is an ideal place to showcase your writing.  Please send me an email (bostonhistorian(at)gmail.com) and let me know what you might be interested in writing about, and we can go from there.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Walking Tours of Boston's History and Architecture

The Editor of the City Record and Boston News-Letter on a West End Tenement Fire Escape, c. 1990

Now that the weather is apparently improving (as if it could get worse) the time is right to announce that I will begin leading Boston history and architecture walking tours soon.  I've given hundreds of walking tours of Boston, and the walking tours will include Beacon Hill, the Back Bay, South End, North End, Dorchester--almost any neighborhood in Boston.  I also do a walking tour for children through Beacon Hill based on the classic children's book Make Way for Ducklings--I have led hundreds of school children on this tour during the spring.  Tours are generally 1.5 hours long, and the cost is $10 in advance for adults, $12 day of the tour.  Children aged 6 and up are $5, under 6 are free.  I am still working out a schedule, but in general tours will be an evening or two during the week, and on Saturdays.  With sufficient notice and numbers other times can be worked out and custom tours are also possible.  If you are interested, please email me.  More information and a walking tour website will be coming soon.  We won't be going up on any fire escapes (the building I'm in front of has since been torn down) but you will get my knowledge of Boston's architecture and history for the price of movie and some good exercise to boot.  I hope you will join me.

Let One Thousand News Sources Bloom

Newspapers and other publications in Boston from the 1857 Boston Almanac. Click image to enlarge, then click that image to enlarge again. (Image copyright The City Record and Boston News-Letter, all rights reserved).

Compare the list of newspapers and other publications in Boston for the year 1846 with the list above.

The Boston Herald's sale of Community Newspaper Company last week has brought another set of questions about the state of the newspaper industry in Boston.  Most of the focus has been on whether or not Boston should be a two newspaper town and what the sale of CNC means for the future of the Boston Herald.  For examples, read Dan Kennedy, and again here, Mats Tolander, David Scott, the Boston Herald's own story, and Jay Fitzgerald who writes for the Herald and Hub Blog.

After first remembering fondly the history pieces I used to write for the Boston Tab under the "Boston Primer" heading, the question that comes to my mind is whether or not the days of the "full service" newspaper are over.  By full service, I mean the form of newspaper we've come to expect for the pastone hundred years or so: a national news section, a metro/regional section, sports, arts, entertainment, etc. The internet has changed the way people access information.  How much time and effort should a local newspaper spend on non-local sports news when sites like ESPN and CNN/SI exist? Do newspapers really need to focus energy on the entertainment industry when there are 24 hour cable channels devoted to this subject?  And how much does a newspaper's duplication of content on the internet further cannibalize the print version? 

These are questions which I'm sure are debated in media company board rooms across the country--certainly they're not new issues and my thoughts aren't particularly original.  The irony is that while the relevance of entertainment coverage by newspapers may be eclipsed by other forms of media, the selling of movies is still local and the print advertising for movies continues unabated.  On the other hand, Craigslist has devasted the classfied ad sections, Filene's will be gone soon taking away pages of ads, and mergers reduce advertising for banks.  Meanwhile online advertising suffers from a much higher burden of proof of effectiveness than was ever required (or even possible) with print advertising.

Would newspapers be better served by focusing their time and money and local news, local arts, local sports?  Certainly there are opportunities: the Dorchester Reporter, the South End News, the Back Bay Courant, the Bay State Banner, and the Beacon Hill Times all demonstrate that the demand exists for news at the neighborhood level.  Blogs have also started to fill in the cracks in local coverage.  My readers will note that I've joined up with Boston Blogs, a network of Boston based bloggers who are trying to address some of the issues of local content delivery.  Are there niches available for subjects not covered by the print media?  As the editor and writer of the only blog devoted to Boston's history and architecture I like to think so.  The question becomes who are my readers and what is the potential size of my audience?  What is the market for the City Record and Boston News-Letter?  The list of publications available in 1857 shows the sheer variety and number of information sources available to Bostonians.  The blogs of today are helping us regain the diversity of 150 years ago--but how do we ensure they survive?

Update:  Immediately after posting this, I see Christopher Lydon's piece on local news over at Mass Inc.  Go read that, and I will add, "yeah, what he said".

Automatic Email Updates

I've switched my automatic email update service from Bloglet to FeedBlitz.  Those of you who have signed up to receive email updates about new posts to the City Record and Boston News-Letter will notice emails being sent to you via FeedBlitz.

For those of you who haven't subscribed, there is a box in the right hand column to submit your email address if you'd like to be notified about new posts.  You'll be glad you did!