In 1892, an interesting story appeared in the local newspaper. A gentleman residing at Coats Building (behind Stonefield Tavern had in his collection a bundle of old newspapers, which even then were over 60 years old. Writing into the Hamilton Herald, he was asking how he should go about getting rid of them (presumably to sell). His letter wrote:
Old Newspapers for Sale.— We have received the following communication:—“Sir,—I have a bound book of the Scotsman paper of 1831 and 1832, which I wish to dispose of. Would you kindly advise me the best way? It is Wednesday’s and Saturday’s of both years; and one paper of the Dublin Weekly with O’Connell’s speech.—I am, yours, William Valentine, Coats’ Buildings, Blantyre.”
(Advertise in the Hamilton Herald, of course.)
Can you imagine reading through the weekly news from 1831 a time BEFORE Queen Victoria came to the throne. I hope this book of papers still exists somewhere and was saved, passed down.
For illustration only.
