Place of Publication: Winter Harbour, Melville Island, Parry Islands, North West Territories, Canada
Frequency: Unknown
Volume and Issue Data: No. 1-21; Nov 1, 1819 to March 20, 1820.
Size and Format: Unknown
Editor/Publisher: Edward Sabine, Captain of the Ship Hecla.
Title Changes and Continuation:
General Description and Notes:
“Written, produced and circulated in Mss., by members of the Parry expedition while they were at their winter quarters in the Arctic, and published, in printed form, after the expedition’s return to London under the title: North Georgia Gazette, and Winter Chronicle.
“When the expedition arrived in the Arctic, Parry called the group of islands he discovered the “New Georgia Islands,” but having afterwards remembered that this name was already used in another part of the world he decided to change it to “North Georgian Islands” to honor George the Third. This change accounts for the variation in name as used in the title on the manuscript copy and that used on the published editions.”
Information Sources:
Bibliography: None
Locations: Rare Book & Special Collections Library, University of Illinois Library at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
According to Loveridge, the Dufferin Weekly Critic and the Swan River Daily Police News represented the first efforts at rural journalism at Swan River and Fort Dufferin by North West Mounted Police in 1875 and 1876. These may have been the earliest Manitoba newspapers outside Winnipeg. Loveridge calls them “newsletters” and distinguishes them from “true newspapers.”
Information Sources:
Bibliography: D.M. Loveridge, A Historical Directory of Manitoba Newspapers, 1859-1978 (Winnipeg: University of Manitoba Press, 1978), pp. 5, 58
Locations: Legislative Library, Culture, Heritage and Citizenship, Manitoba, Winnipeg; cited in Manitoba Free Press, March 1, 1875
“When he was 35, John James Stewart (1844-1907) decided to leave his Halifax law firm and become the editor of a fledgling provincial daily newspaper. His family greeted the news with skepticism and concern. J.J. Stewart had already left a good teaching position and the principalship of the Amherst Academy in order to become a lawyer. To give up law after only four years seemed such a waste. J.J. Stewart quickly proved that his decision was a good one. Within five years he had shrewdly developed his Morning Herald into the province’s most successful newspaper.
“In retrospect, J.J. Stewart’s decision to become a newspaper editor should not have been a total surprise. When he was 22, J.J. Stewart had edited and put out his own handwritten temperance newspaper, The True Templar [emphasis added]. He also had a deep respect for the power of the printed word; indeed, he viewed it “as the most powerful of all human forces …” A man of strong political, social, and religious convictions, Stewart held definite opinions and possessed the writing skills required to present them effectively. The editorial page of a newspaper would and did provide J.J. Stewart with an ideal outlet.
“When it was clear that his newspaper was on a solid footing, Stewart branched out into the banking business. He rose to the presidency of both the Acadia Loan Corporation and the People’s Bank of Halifax. A strong Conservative, Stewart also devoted many hours to party affairs and made two unsuccessful bids for election to the provincial assembly.
“In addition to his newspaper and banking work, J.J. Stewart took an active part in the social, religious, and intellectual life of Halifax. Although a member of the Masons, the Navy League, the Good Templars, and the YMCA, Stewart’s primary commitments were to the North British Society and the Nova Scotia Historical Society. It was to the latter organization that he presented his landmark paper on early journalism in Nova Scotia. His carefully researched and well-written paper is still the authoritative source for information about the beginnings of the newspaper industry in Nova Scotia and Canada. J.J. Stewart clearly had a talent for historical writing.
“Away from the public eye, Stewart conducted a lifelong study of the history of Nova Scotia. No aspect of Nova Scotia’s past was neglected. Even material about major events which had impacted on Nova Scotia was carefully acquired and studied. The American revolution, the roots of Canadian federalism, works of major British authors, agricultural chemistry, and the depression in the West Indies were just a few of the related topics investigated by J.J. Stewart.
“Unlike the other major Nova Scotia bibliophile of the period, T.B. Akins, J.J. Stewart did not concentrate on book-length works. Half of his collection of over 3,000 works is in pamphlet form and many are what would have been considered ephemeral even in his era. Due to his interest in Nova Scotia’s printing history and in all aspects of Nova Scotia life, he collected everything from church bulletins of special services to the annual reports of the Micmac Missionary Society. He was especially diligent in collecting early newspapers, magazines, and almanacs, materials which provide valuable insight into all aspects of nineteenth century provincial life.
“In mid-February of 1907, J.J. Stewart was badly burned by flames from an overturned oil stove in his home. Two weeks later, Nova Scotia lost one of its most capable newspapermen and devoted boosters. Following the settlement of his estate, his widow presented his impressive historical library to Dalhousie University. Although his untimely death silenced his pen, J.J. Stewart has provided the resources for future researchers to study and write about the history of Nova Scotia.”
According to Karen Smith of the Dalhousie University Libraries (in correspondence with the HN editor), “It obviously existed in at least two issues since we have a Vol. 1, no. [sic] 2 issue. It is in very fragile condition so I could not copy the whole issue for you.” She goes on to note that
“John James Stewart was just 21 years old in March 1866. He grew up in a very small rural Nova Scotia community, but quickly demonstrated a scholarly aptitude and went on to become a lawyer, businessman, and the founding editor of what is still our major provincial paper, The Chronicle-Herald. He also was a very knowledgeable book collector and his excellent collection was donated to Dalhousie University upon his untimely death in 1907. In early life, J.J. Stewart was obviously a temperance man.”
Information Sources:
Bibliography: Stewart, J. J. “Early journalism in Nova Scotia,” in Collections of the Nova Scotia Historical Society, 1888, Vol. 6, pp. 91 – 122
Place of Publication: Swan River, Manitoba, Canada
Frequency: Daily? Despite the title, actual duration and frequency are unknown
Volume and Issue Data: April 27, 1876
Size and Format: Variable; one page; 24 x 36 inches; 22 x 32.5 inches
Editor/Publisher: North West Mounted Police personnel
Title Changes and Continuation: See also Weekly Critic, Dufferin, Manitoba
General Description and Notes:
According to Loveridge, the Daily Police News and Dufferin Weekly Critic represented the first efforts at rural journalism at Swan River and Fort Dufferin by North West Mounted Police in 1875 and 1876. These may have been the earliest Manitoba newspapers outside Winnipeg. Loveridge calls them “newsletters” and distinguishes them from “true newspapers.”
Information Sources:
Bibliography: D.M. Loveridge, A Historical Directory of Manitoba Newspapers, 1859-1978 (Winnipeg: University of Manitoba Press, 1978), pp. 5, 95
Locations: Legislative Library, Culture, Heritage and Citizenship, Winnipeg, Manitoba; April 27, 1876: Saskatchewan Archives, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
Volume and Issue Data: Vol. 1, No. 1, August 9, 1884
Size and Format: No.1: 17pp.; No.3: 24pp.
Editor/Publisher: “Devoted to the interests of the Temperance Colony”
Title Changes and Continuation: No. 1: “The Saskatoon Sentinel: A Magazine of News and Instruction”; No. 3: “The Sentinel: An Independent Magazine of News and Instruction Devoted to the Interests of the Temperance Colony”
General Description and Notes:
Only three issues were published.
Information Sources:
Bibliography: None
Locations: Vol. 1, Nos. 1 and 3: Special Collections, University of Saskatchewan Library, Saskatoon; No. 2 is apparently no longer extant
Paper contains numerous advertisements and “Telegraphic News” on page one; subscription terms, church service times, editorials on “Compulsory Education” and “The Town Council and the Railway Question” on page two; correspondence and news briefs on page three; and more telegraphic news, a report on the “Supreme Court,” a “Parliamentary Note” report, a note about the Critic taken from the Regina Journal on page four.
Information Sources:
Bibliography: None
Locations: National Library of Canada, Ottawa, ON; Saskatchewan Archives Board, University of Regina, Regina, SK
Place of Publication: Pugwash, Nova Scotia, Canada (a small village on the north shore.)
Frequency: Semi-monthly
Volume and Issue Data: From Nov. 1869 to Mar. 1871
Size and Format: Unknown
Editor/Publisher: Unknown
Title Changes and Continuation: None
General Description and Notes:
It was the official organ of the Literary Association in Nova Scotia, devoted to science, poetry and art.
Information Sources:
Bibliography: “Flashback” (column), The Chronicle-Herald, June 15, 1964, p. 24. Newspaper Library, Public Archives of Nova Scotia, 6016 University Avenue, Halifax, NS
Locations: North Cumberland Historical Society, Pugwash, Nova Scotia; Special Collections, Dalhousie University Library, Halifax, NS, Canada
This paper describes itself as a “Metis Newsletter.” According the Glenbow Museum, the editor, R. Geoffrey Burtonshaw, 1916- , was born on a farm near Valpoy, Manitoba. He moved to Calgary, Alberta in 1952 and worked as a carpenter until he retired in 1981. He subsequently became interested in Metis genealogy and collected a vast amount of information on the subject.
In the spring of 1991, he started Neya Powagans:The Metis Newsletter, a bi-monthly publication. He also assembles a Metis Researcher contact list and hosts Metis Research Nights at his house. At present he answers up to 700 written enquiries a year on Metis genealogy. He also volunteers on a regular basis at the Glenbow Museum, assisting Metis genealogy researchers.
Unclear from online sources and given the age of the editor if the paper is still published.
Place of Publication: Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
Frequency: Irregular
Volume and Issue Data: Vol. 1, May 2, 1891-Vol.14, No. 1, 1905; Nos. 1-213
Size and Format: Text largely in shorthand of Chinook jargon; three columns; small format; copies mimeographed
Editor/Publisher: Father LeJeune
Title Changes and Continuation: None
General Description and Notes:
Kamloops Wawa (BC, 1891-1905 )
This newspaper was published in Kamloops, British Columbia between 1891 and 1905 in a Chinook script developed by Father LeJeune. The paper was handwritten then mimeographed.
The first page’s three columns are each written in a different script. The first transliterates the Chinookan script of column two and column three translates both into English. Column three reads:
“This paper is named Kamloops Wawa. It is born just now. It wants to appear and speak every week, to all who want to learn to write fast. No matter if they be white men.”
[Note: The box containing the Kamloops Wawa includes separately paged inserts in various languages with duplicate numbering. Also includes: The Kamloops phonographer, no. 4 (Oct. 1892); circular (2 pp.): Coldwater, Aug. 24, 1892; printed letter dated April 1, 1892 in French. Five unidentified fragments; 2 pp. leaflet, at head of paper, the Kamloops Wawa symbols, on back, “the Duployan phonetic alphabet complete”; 2 copies (4 pp.) of the Chinook shorthand; pp. 49-80 ith chapter headings, “Stations of the Cross”, “Preparation for confession”, “Act of miracle,” “Monseigneur Laurence”, “Fruitless temptation,” etc.]
Kamloops Wawa (BC, 1891-1905)
Information Sources:
Bibliography: James C. Pillings, Bibliography of the Chinookan Languages, Bulletin 15 (Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution, Bureau of Ethnology, 1893), pp. 46-47; Pillings, Bibliography of the Salishan Language, Bulletin 16 (Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution, Bureau of Ethnology, 1893), p. 38.
Locations: McFarlin Library, Special Collections, University of Tulsa
Place of Publication: Hazelton (Caledonia?), British Columbia, Canada
Frequency: Unknown
Volume and Issue Data: 1880-1881
Size and Format: Unknown (see image)
Editor/Publisher: Unknown
Title Changes and Continuation: Unknown
General Description and Notes:
A typewritten memo with the Queek in the BC Archives by Mrs. H.K. Andrews (or “Miss Woods”, whose name is scratched out) reads,
“In the year 1880, I went North with my brother to stay with our people the Tomlinsons. My brother to assist in farm and agricultural work which Mr. Tomlinson the missionary was starting, to help the Indians improve their mode of life. And had settled a little place called Ankihtlast–about 150 miles from the Coast and 20 miles from Hazelton, near the head of Navigation on the Skeena. I went to try and help my sister with the children (four in number). In the year of 80 & 81 Bp. and Mrs. Ridley having been sent by the C.F.S. to be head of the Missions were living at what we called ‘The Forks’ (the junction of the Bulkley and Skeena), now I believe called Old Hazelton. Wishing to do all possible to help the whites, Mrs. Ridley started what she called pleasant evenings on every Tuesday and her house was open house specially for the men who came out from Omineca. An evening of readings, music and general social intercourse. This social evening developed into a desire for a weekly paper, both the Bp. and Mrs. R. were talented & had taken many sketches locally. Mrs. R. and I going out together, sketching up the Haguilket Valley. There was no news coming in for the winter months from the outside world, we were absolutely cut off till spring would come. So everyone was expected to help in gathering items of interest, a riddle, a story, anything. My brother sent weather readings from our mission station. I contributed a few sketches, for our paper was an illustrated one, and we looked forward to receiving it on Saturday. The Bp. wrote out and transferred it on a gelatine press, sufficient numbers for the regular customers–about 10 or 12 I suppose; the Hankins, ourselves, & the miners. “
Information Sources:
Bibliography: None
Locations: British Columbia Archives and Records Services, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Place of Publication: Near Amherstburgh, Ontario, Canada
Frequency: “After due notice given to subscribers”
Volume and Issue Data: Wednesday evening, May 14, 1856
Size and Format: 3 column pages, 4 pages
Editor/Publisher: (looks like three names–can’t decifer)
Title Changes and Continuation: None
General Description and Notes:
Forest Grove Observer (ON, 1856)
Located in a miscellaneous file along with
various other dated items in the John Macintosh Duff Collection, 1822-1870. Seems to be completely tongue-in-cheek with business notices with heading “Miss Tallstory,” Miss Crusty,” etc. and including stories about chickens, cows, and pigs. One heading under “Personal” is about the Governor and Family which is quite lengthy.
Forest Grove Observer (ON, 1856)
Information Sources:
Bibliography: None
Locations: Archives, Call No. XR1 MS A210158, Archival and Special Collections, University of Guelph Library, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Place of Publication: St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada (1892)
Frequency: Only one or two issues produced after the 1892 St.John’s fire destroyed printing press
Volume and Issue Data: No. 1, July 11, 1892
Size and Format: 8.5 x 11 inches
Editor/Publisher: M.A. Devine
Title Changes and Continuation: None
General Description & Notes
The Fire Fly was written as an emergency, interim publication following the fire 1892 in St. John’s. The paper was handwritten because the printing press the editor normally used to publish his paper perished in the flames. Editor Devine published information useful to fire survivors, such as locations of necessary goods and services, and reports on people, property and events during and following the fire.
Place of Publication: “Editor’s office, Starboard Front Cabin, ‘Thames City,'” en route from Gravesend, England to Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Frequency: Weekly (“read aloud each Saturday night, the day of publication, by the commanding officer, Capt. H.R. Luard, R.E.”)
Volume and Issue Data: 17 numbers issued: No. 1, Nov. 6, 1858 to No. 17, April 2, 1859; not published during three week layover at Falkland Islands
Size and Format: 10.75 x 18 inches; pre-printed title/masthead; pen and ink
Editor/Publisher: Second Corporal Charles Sinnett, R.E., assisted by Lt. H.S. Palmer, R.E.
Title Changes and Continuation: None
General Description & Notes:
Contains a news section, natural history of the voyage, correspondence, conundrums, naval and military intelligence, songs, poetry, jokes, advertisements, foreign intelligence and market intelligence.
The Emigrant Soldiers Gazette and Cape Horn Chronicle was published originally in manuscript form on board the ship “Thames City,” which sailed from Gravesend, England, on October 10, 1858 and reached Esquimalt, Vancouver Island, British Columbia on April 12, 1859. Aboard the ship was a detachment of Royal Engineers selected for service in B.C.
The paper was edited by Second Corporal Charles Sinnett, R.E., and assisted by Lt. H.S. Palmer, R.E. Each Saturday night, the day of publication, the paper was read aloud by the ship’s commanding officer, Captain H.R. Luard, R.E.
The first issue explained that as one of the ways to avoid monotony and “keep a merry heart,”
[A] thoughtful friend on shore, whose name should be held in honour among us, has provided us with the means of establishing a small Newspaper, to be kept up by our own contributions. Let us set about it with good will and heartiness. Some little amusement and instruction will be sure to follow. Any trifling matter recorded now will be a pleasure to refer to hereafter as a memorial of the peaceful and happy days of our voyage.
The first issue also published a notice “To Correspondents,” as a guide to contributors:
1. In future, contributions of Leading Articles on any subject are requested to send them in to the Editor by noon every Thursday, and all other contributions should be sent in by 8 o’clock the same evening, to give ample time for publishing the paper.
2. Any person willing to answer letter addressed “To the Editor,” are invited to do so, addressing their answers in the same manner.
3. The answers to Charades and Conundrums will be published the Saturday after they appear, and any person guessing an answer, may learn on application to the Editor or Sub-Editor if he is right or wrong. But is hoped correct guessers will keep their secret.
The paper maintained a regular front page news section and other regular sections, such as “Natural History of the Voyage,” “Correspondence,” “Conundrums,” “Naval and Military Intelligence,” “Songs and Poetry,” “Jokes,” “Foreign Intelligence,” “Market Intelligence,” and “Advertisements.”
The printed edition of the paper included a map detailing the ship’s route and marking its locations on the dates of publication.
After the arrival of the Thames City at New Westminster, B.C., the men aboard the ship paid to have the paper printed as a souvenir of their voyage. The “British Columbian” newspaper in New Westminster printed the paper from the manuscript originals.
In Volume One–”To the correspondents 1. In the future, contributors of Lending Articles on any subject are requested to send them in to the editor by noon every Thursday, and al other contributions should be sent in by eight o’clock the same evening, to give ample time for publishing the paper. 2. Any person willing to answer letters addressed “To the Editor,” are invited to do so, addressing their answers in the same manner. 3. The answers to the Charades and Conundrums will be published the Saturday after they appear, and any person guessing an answer may learn on application to the Editor or Sub-Editor if he is right or wrong. But it is hoped correct guessers will keep their secret.”
Preface to the published collection: [Printed by R. Wolfenden, 1907]
“The ESGCHC was published originally in manuscript form, on board the ship “Thomas City,” which was sailed from Gravesend on the 10th of October, 1858, and reached Esquimalt, V. I. on the 12th April, 1859, having on board a Detachment of Royal Engineers selected for service in B.C. The paper was edited by Second-Corporal, Charles Sinnett, R.G., assisted by Lt. H. S. Palmer, R.G. and was read aloud each Saturday night, the day of publication, by the commanding officer, Captain H.R. Luard, R.G. After the arrival of the Detachment of the camp, New Westminster, it was thought advisable to have this most interesting journal printed for distribution amongst the members of the Detachment. This was done, at the men’s expense, at the office of the “British Columbia,” New Westminster, by the late John Robson.
From No. 1 [11/6/58]–p.1 “As one means towards this desired end [to avoid monotony and keep a merry heart], a thoughtful friend on shore, whose name should be held in honour among us, has provided us with a means of establishing a small Newspaper, to be kept up by our own contributors Let us set about it with good will and heartiness. Some little amusement and instruction will be sure to follow. Any trifling matter recorded now will be a pleasure to refer to hereafter as a memorial of the peaceful and happy days of our voyage.
Information Sources:
Bibliography: Emigrant Soldiers Gazette and Cape Horn Chronicle (Printed by R. Wolfenden, 1907); Roy Atwood, “Shipboard News: Nineteenth Century Handwritten Periodicals at Sea,” Paper Presentation to the History Division of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication Annual Convention, Chicago, IL, 1997; Reprint, New York Public Library.
Locations: British Columbia Archives and Records Services, Victoria, British Columbia; (printed edition) The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley, California; New York Public Library, New York.
According to Wikipedia , “the first publication in Elkhorn was a handwritten news bulletin reproduced on cyclostyle. Founded by F. Greenstreet in 1886, the Elkhorn Breeze was applauded by the Manitoba Free Press as ‘a credit to that prosperous young city.’ In spite of such praise The Breeze had ceased publication by the end of 1887.”
Gazette-Extr., Philadelphia, 1846; attributed to Herman Melville; courtesy of Prof. Roger Stritmatter, Dept. of Humanities, Coppin State University, Baltimore, MD, USA
The Handwritten Newspapers Project 
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