Yes, there were newspapers at that time. Newspapers started at various time
most usually when the town grew to a reasonable size and most times people
from surrounding small towns were the "reporters" who gathered information
to send to the area newspaper for all to see. I am sure there is somone on
this list who remembers the website address for old Iowa Newspapers. I
haven't used it, but it should be interesting to look into.
I found my great-Aunt who died in a RR crossing accident in 1902. I found
there are two sources to consider:
1) Call the County (where my ancestor lived) Genealogical Society and asking
them if they knew what newspaper was in operation at that time. (Most have
internet websites. Try
www.iowacounties.com and click away til you find your
county's genealogical contact.) I was able to get the name of the newspaper
here, then I called the newspaper - asked for a name to send this letter to
(Dept.?). I then wrote them, adding a stamped, self-addressed envelope, and
I gave the specific date of the occurance and the name of the victim. I got
an answer back in three months -- a photo copy of the entire story.
2) Just after I sent the first letter, someone at my Library told me to use
them to send an Inter-Library Request Form. (Special mail and retrieval
system among all the libraries in America.) I filled out a form - with
appropriate data about the accident - and they sent it off. Happily, I
received a copy of an article on the accident -- but in only 6 weeks
Anyway, both have its merit, but I'd try the Inter-Library Request mode
first. I think the difference in time is due to the fact that the Library
probably uses volunteers to retrieve information from films of old
newspapers, and the newspaper uses overworked employees to do same. Good
hunting. Sandy Childs in Calif.
----- Original Message -----
From: Carol Hamilton <carolh(a)webcosolutions.com>
To: <MIGEN-L(a)rootsweb.com>
Sent: Friday, October 05, 2001 8:49 AM
Subject: [MIGEN] DETROIT NEWSPAPERS
Can someone tell me what newspapers were in existence in 1930? My
grandfather, Junious B. Kelley, was killed in a plane crash 9 October 1930
in Detroit. Any information would be appreciated.
Carol Hamilton
Beverly Hills, FL