Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

On my mind: Unexpected treasures

Ive stumbled upon somewhat of a gold mine  well, its gold where Im concerned.

While preparing to move things out of our old office, I found a box of microfilm of old issues of the Gurdon Times. This excited me, but I didnt give it too much time then.

Just last week, however, I decided to look at my find a little closer, and I was amazed at what I found.

Some of the boxes which hold the reels of film state that they hold issues of the Gurdon Times back to 1899. Thats right, I said 1899.

I was disgusted to find that the 1899 box is filled with Crayons, but all of the others contain rolls of film. The yellow boxes are numbered to as high as 23, and a few are missing. The 1899 box is number three.

If all were present, I feel sure the very first issue of the times would be on there. The Times is 112 years old, so Im guessing it was founded sometime around 1885. One more interesting note is that there are two rolls of film which are not boxed. Until I look at them, I will not know what years those hold.

The most recent microfilm is dated in the early-1980s. We have the papers bound in books from 1998 to present.

I havent satisfied my curiosity as of yet to look at the film. Ill have to take it over to the Daily Siftings Herald office to do that. They have a microfilm reader. We do not.

Im anxious to see what is on the film, and at the same time, Im worried they may be damaged. You see, they survived a fire that destroyed the Times office several years back. The boxes are covered in black soot and appear to have some water stains.

But if the microfilm is readable, Im sure well see the history of Gurdon unfold right before our eyes. Im hoping to begin printing a short column as space allows with excerpts from these papers (if the film is readable).

What are some of the things you think well see? I think well see how the town made it through the Great Depression, World Wars I and II, and other world events. Well see how the town grew and changed over the years, and well see how its remained the same.

Im ready to get started, but unfortunately, its going to have to wait at least until next week. Ive got too much on my plate already.

If there is a specific event in Gurdons history that you think might be of interest for me to look into, email me at jeremyalangley@yahoo.com or call the office at 353-4482.