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The School Journal: Published Monthly by the Boys of the High School. Vol. I, No. I. Wednesday, Jan, 15, 1868; Vol. I, No. II. Wednesday, Feb. 12. 1868.

Bath, Maine, 1868. Two folio manuscript newspapers, 4 integral pp. each.

Two editions of a satirical manuscript newspaper produced by and for the students of Bath High School.

The lead story in both editions of the paper relates to the sixth and final hurricane of the 1867 Atlantic hurricane season. A supposed field report is issued from the shores of Salt Lake City in the shadow of the Mormon Temple and another from the “Seal’s Rest Hotel” (an Arctic lodge of some sort or another). Swipes are also taken the “Gazette,” which from the context appears to be a similar publication produced by and circulated among the girls of the school. Other topics sent up in the pages include the temperance movement and the construction of a hypothetical observatory atop the school. As the excerpts below demonstrate, the young men behind the paper were possessed of wit and eloquence seemingly beyond their years and unsurprisingly tinged with the casual sexism of their era. A lively and entertaining product of the 19th century adolescent male brain.

Some Representative Excerpts:

“Letter From Utah”:

“I am sojourning for the present on the borders of this beautiful lake; among the principal things for which it is noted are the salt fish which are caught here in great abundance, and as the residence of Brigham Young, the friend of woman, and his followers. I am afraid that the importance of the male population is rapidly growing beautifully less. On reading the last number of the “High School Gazette,” I found, much to my disgust that women are allowed to write articles for the papers, and to brawl and spout like ‘Lords of Creation,’ and really one had the assurance to speak on “woman’s rights.” I cannot possibly divine any reason for this action, except perhaps that the young ladies are preparing for the day when they will have a right to speak for their country’s weal or woe, or perhaps the severity of the weather has interrupted the usual train of gossip prevalent in your section. Now the Mormons would know exactly what to do [?] to make them known their place. They have a code of laws for such heinous offenses that I think you could use with great success both in your school and city, one of which I will enclose. “Any female found exciting the minds of their sisters against their condition by talk or actions will be condemned to a single life and to pay the costs of the court which includes drinks for the elders.” ... On the thirteenth of last month Elder Young united in the bonds of matrimony for the forty-seventh time, his eldest son, named by his affectionate mama George Francis Train Young. On the same day 134th child was born, on this occasion Brigham made a severe pun, to this effect, ‘The Lord has granted me many of these blessings, but I sincerely hope that this daughter may not die young.’ There is little news to write about except that the population is rapidly increasing.”

”Editorial notes”:

“We would advise certain of the young ladies who frequent the register to consult some works on etiquette.”

“No less than five parodies on Longfellow’s Excelsior have been read or declaimed within a few months.”

“Advertisements”:

For Sale!!! The entire establishment of the Rocks & Pebbles, comprising a magnificent pen holder, a powerful steel pen, ink fresh from Shaw’s, etc. etc. Also, a large lot of arrogance and self-conceit, the motive power of the machine, in quantities to suit the purchasers. Sole reason for selling out is because the owners feel sick. To anyone who desires to carry on a second class paper. They offer extraordinary inducements. For further particulars inquire at this office.

“A Card”:

Prof. V. Folium desires to thank his friends for their kind efforts to keep him employed, and begs leave to say that he is about to take the steamer for Woolwich [across the river] and thus regrets to say that he will be prevented executing any further orders.

”Public Attention”:

Prof. Beanpole desires us to inform the readers of our paper that he has been appointed keeper of the ‘Splendid Telescope”, which the committee are “going to get last term” for the use of astronomy class. “Roll on ye Orbs”.

”Two youngsters coasting on Winter St. ran into a team at the corner of Middle St., breaking their necks and otherwise injuring them, they were immediately taken to the City Hospital, where they were promptly attended to, and at last account they has resumed their former occupation. Cured by Spaulding’s glue.”

Amusing examples of the manuscript newspapers that were popular in schools and social groups in the 19th cenutry.

CONDITION: Good, four-inch split at top of one issue, loss of paper in a few letters in title of one issue, each issue with a few short tears and breaks.

Item #3022

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