THE REPUBLICAN

September 10, 1886

 

A Historic Press

 

            In a typographical monthly published by Shnidewend & Lee, of Chicago, is noted the following which is interesting the Wisconsin readers:

            We will show at the coming Exposition an old hand press that deserves to be highly prized for the part it has borne in enlightening the public.  It was used in Nauvoo Ill., in 1845, and during the Mormon riots at that town it was employed imprinting a paper opposed to the polygamous element.  When these riots broke out the office in which this press was used was entirely destroyed by the adherents of Joseph Smith.  The press was broken up with a sledge hammer, and the mutilated fragments were thrown into the river.  After laying at the bottom of the stream for two years it was fished out, repaired and sold.  It then entered upon a new career of usefulness.  The Redfield Bros. obtained it and took it to Waupaca, Wis., where they printed the Waupaca Spirit on it in 1853.  It was afterward used in printing the New London Times, John A. Ogden publisher; Clark County Enterprise, Mr. Parkhurst; Clintonville Herald, Ratcliffe & Waite, Antigo Republican, Ratcliffe & Moses, from whence we obtained it nearly three years ago.

            There are now in the office of the REPUBLICAN several cases and stands, and one or two fonts of job type that was in the office of the Spirit 33 years ago.

            Bro. Brady of the Clintonville Tribune, gives this scrap of History in connection with the old press.

            The present editor of this paper was engaged by Ratcliffe & Waite to get out the first issue of the Herald, which was the first paper printed in Clintonville.  The first copy that was printed was preserved by Mr. Brady and is in his possession now.  It was printed from old banged up types and is a curious looking sheet.  Mr. Ratcliffe edited the paper and was at enmity with C. M. Bright who at that time was running the Waupaca Republican.  About one column of the first issue is devoted to Clintonville, and the balance to abuse Bright.  Mr. Bright is alive today, but the Herald died in about ten months.