In the northeast corner of New York State, a peculiar combination of political history and regional wit has long been served up in local newspapers. Surprisingly, many of these newspapers have been in continuous operation for more than two hundred years. Here is a look at how the centuries-old tradition of political history and wit has influenced the culture of Northern New York newspapers.
A Brief History of Northern NY Newspapers
The tradition of publishing regional newspapers in Northern New York dates back to the late 18th century. The first edition of the Watertown Reformer was released in 1802, marking the start of a long history of newspapers in the area. Eventually, other newspapers also emerged, including the Plattsburgh Sun and Adirondack Enterprise. This earliest era of newspapers was often characterized by a lively, vibrant tone and a focus on local news and events.
Of course, the political landscape has changed since those early days and so too has the tone of the newspapers. Increasingly, political history and wit have become commonplace within the pages of the Northern New York papers. The editors of these publications have often been credited with crafting stories that capture the humor, drama, and wit of the politics of the day.
Notable Events and Stories Reported in Northern NY Newspapers
A perusal through the archives of the newspapers of Northern New York reveals some very interesting stories. One example dates back over a century, to 1906 when the Watertown Reformer reported on the circus that came to town. The report, complete with humorous anecdotes and witty commentary, provided a fitting glimpse of the lively atmosphere of the day.
Other gripping stories and important events have been reported in the pages of the Northern New York papers. One notable event was the groundbreaking 1923 speech in Albany by the temperance leader Carry Nation, which attracted the attention of everyone from politicians to Prohibitionists. As expected, the newspapers of the day included coverage of the event and the reaction it generated.
In addition to capturing major events, the papers of Northern New York have often featured articles on politics. For instance, in 1936, the Plattsburgh Sun reported on a politically-fueled debate around the construction of a new railroad in the area. This debate, and the regional reaction to it, was reflected in the pages of the paper.
Humor and Satire in Northern New York Newspapers
Alongside their coverage of major news events, the newspapers of the day often included humorous and satirical stories. For example, in 1898 the Adirondack Enterprise carried a series of articles about a mythical character called Old Grange, who was said to live in the high hills of New York. The stories, which typically contained humorous references to local events and people, attracted a lot of attention and provided an interesting account of regional wit.
Gilded Age Newspaper Headlines
Newspapers of the Gilded Age also included a variety of witty and satirical headlines. In the Plattsburgh Sun, for instance, visitors were often welcomed with the headline “At It Again, Now Hear Us Roar!”. This kind of humorous headline provided a humorous touch to the news of the day and added to the lively atmosphere of the newspapers.
Preserving the Political History and Wit of Northern New York
Today, many of the newspapers of Northern New York that have been in continuous operation for more than two hundred years continue to serve up the same brand of political history and wit that has been associated with them for decades. This is evidenced in both the articles that are published and the headlines that greet readers.
That said, the papers have also embraced the digital age, using the latest technology to ensure that their stories are published far and wide. This, in turn, has helped to ensure that the history and wit of Northern New York is preserved and made accessible to a much wider audience.
The tradition of political history and wit in Northern New York is one that has been preserved and maintained through the centuries. From the earliest newspapers of the 18th century to today’s digital platforms, the political discourse of the area has been at the center of the region’s journalistic reporting. This discourse has provided a unique glimpse into the drama and humor of the political landscape of Northern New York, resulting in some truly remarkable stories.
