Publication History:
Place of Publication: San Francisco, California
Frequency: Two issues
Volume and Issue Data: May [no day], and May 23, both 1906
Size and Format: 56-60 x 42 cm.; May (no date) May 23 issue is 2 pp.; “three folio leaves”; pen and ink; illustrated with watercolor
Editor/Publisher: Published by “Prowlers of Ashbarrel Street, New San Francisco;” compiled, written and illustrated by Hazel Snell; also edited by “U.R.A. Bum, I.B.A. Tramp”
Title Changes and Continuation: None
General Description & Notes:
Two issues of a newspaper edited by Hazel Snell (Holmes), San Francisco, were donated to the Bancroft Library by the editor. In her own undated description of the Gazette, which accompanied the donation, Ms. Holmes writes:
“Three folio leaves compiled, written and illustrated by Snell as a neighborhood paper, residing with her parents on Ashbury Street between Hayes and Fell near the pan-handle of Golden Gate Park. Some of the humorous jibes were contributed by William Jones Hanlon, now a retired Colonel of the U.S. Air Force. As far as known, first amateur paper issued after earthquake and fire in San Francisco on April 18, 1906.”
The first number which was dated “May, 1906,” contained sections on business, society, poetry, and local news, and includes want ads and advertisements. The two-page second number, dated “May 23, 1906,” noted:
“Editors: U.R.A. Bum, I.B.A. Tramp. Published any old time. Sub. Price–six doughnut holes on a toothpick. When your subscription expires–call an undertaker. Price per copy–a can of corn bread.”
The motto of the paper, as indicated in the second issue was, “To see ourselves as others saw us.” The second issue also announced on page one:
“The editors wish to inform the general public that a third and last Edition of the B.H.G. will be published and for the suckers of the same they will depend on the reports of the citizens of this street. The names of reporters will not be mentioned.
“Kindly place reports in hands of Editors.
“The painting at head of the edition is the reproduction of the famous masterpiece rescued from Hopkins Art Institute during the ‘grate’ fire.”
The editor also claimed, “The first edition of the B.H.G. was probably the most elaborate publication since the earthquake. It was encased in a beautiful gold and silver frame and given a warm reception in St. Nick’s Kitchen, evidently keeping its circulation in a good condition.”
Information Sources:
Bibliography: None
Locations: University of California, Berkeley Bancroft Library manuscripts collection, C-II 81.
The Handwritten Newspapers Project 