Great Pages in History from the Wisconsin State Journal: 1852-2002

     This fascinating collection reproduces the most important front pages in the history of the Wisconsin State Journal newspaper, from its first publication under that name on September 30, 1852, to the current "War on Terrorism." See what Wisconsinites first read about Abraham Lincoln's election and assassination, Custer's last stand against the Sioux, the first votes by women, Henry Ford's $5 daily wage, the Saint Valentine's Day mob massacre in Chicago, the disappearance of Amelia Earhart as she attempted to fly around the world . . . and the wars, elections, crimes, and social revolutions that have defined the past century and a half. Each front page, reproduced from the original, is readable down to the smallest type.
     In 2002 the Wisconsin State Journal celebrates its Sesquicentennial, marking one hundred and fifty years of service to the people of Madison and the State of Wisconsin. The newspaper had an earlier inception as the Madison Express in 1839, when Madison was a territorial town on the frontier and statehood was still nine years away. Readers will notice the newspaper’s appearance has changed nearly as much as have the methods of gathering the news and producing the paper. But readers’ fascination with and hunger for the news of each day remain strong.

Frank M. Denton is editor of the Wisconsin State Journal newspaper in Madison, Wisconsin.