to the wild-west Internet of today, we have relied on some form off the printed word to get our news and information. In San Diego California, that source began with the San Diego Herald in 1851.

Established in 1868, the San Diego union followed the San Diego Sun in a building much like this small printing office in Old Town California.

Is the printed page dead?

Has the internet taken over and replaced the printed page? Does anyone still read newspapers and magazines offline?

I, for one, still enjoy the feel of a tactile book, magazine, or paper. I like that I have something of physical substance in my hands. On the other side of the same coin, I write a blog that is entirely online. Both have their use.

The history of newspapers fascinates me, so much so that I collected these sheets from the early 1900's ...

These "rag sheets" from Arizona and New York contained promises of greener pastures and cheap living in the developing naval town of San Diego! What I wouldn't have given to purchase 1/4 acre lots in "East San Diego" (now Normal Heights) for a mere $100!

As always, I Steem for my kids ...


Original photos by me. Rag sheets from my personal collection