When we think of 1849 (which we collectively do on a near daily basis), we think of the Gold Rush.  Well, that mass migration of people into California wasn’t the only event to mark that glorious year.  In 1849, James Goodhue began publishing the Minnesota Pioneer right here in St. Paul.  It grew up to become the St Paul Pioneer Press.

Yes, our  little local paper had humble beginnings.  However, it’s hit the big time now.  The Pioneer Press is now included in Proquest Newsstand.  Finally, the newspaper database with over 300 newspapers includes the Pioneer Press.  Of course, it only goes back to April 21, 2010. Now, I can feel the history buff among us panicking.  “2010!  I need the Pioneer Press back further than that!”  Well, we got you covered too.  We’ve got the Pioneer Press going back to 1988 through Newsbank.  So if you’re looking for old St. Paul news, like from 1988, then Newsbank is where you should look.    Ahhhh, 1988, that awesome year when Rain Man won best picture [never saw it] and Don’t Worry, Be Happy won song of the year.  REALLY?!?!?  Oh man, now that is just sad.

Now I realize there are those few people out there who will say to me, “Carolyn, gag me with a spoon!  1988 is so bogus!  I need newspaper articles older than 1988.”  To them I say,  “Quit spazzing out!”  We got tons of historic newspapers:

• New York Times 1851-2006
• Washington Post 1877-1993
• Minneapolis Tribune 1867-1922
• Irish Times 1859-2009
• The Guardian and The Observer 1821-2003 and 1791-2003

Or you could search all historic newspapers at once.

So take a chill pill.  It’s under control.

If you’re really into historic newspapers, Ann created a helpful guide on Primary Sources, which includes newspapers.  There’s also a guide on Minnesota History in case I’ve piqued your interest in that.

I’m sorry, I simply can’t get over the fact that Don’t Worry, Be Happy won song of the year.  You do realize that GN’R’s Sweet Child o Mine came out in 1988, don’t you? I’m just saying, some guy whistling and boo booping or Slash on the electric guitar?  I know what I prefer.