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Newsboys Collection

In the early 1900s, newsboys were a common sight outside Portsmouth newsagents

Background imageNewsboys Collection: Newsboys outside Portsmouth newsagents 1907

Newsboys outside Portsmouth newsagents 1907
News boys standing outside Hales Fancy Bazaar on the corner of Twyford Avenue and Newcomen Road, Stamshaw, Portsmouth in 1905 Date: 1907

Background imageNewsboys Collection: VITTORIO EMANUELE DIES

VITTORIO EMANUELE DIES
Newsboys do a roaring trade in papers announcing the death of Vittorio Amenuele II, first ruler of United Italy. Date: 1878

Background imageNewsboys Collection: Three Young Newsboys Smoking, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA, 1910 (b / w photo)

Three Young Newsboys Smoking, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA, 1910 (b / w photo)
3615938 Three Young Newsboys Smoking, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA, 1910 (b/w photo) by Hine, Lewis Wickes (1874-1940); Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA; (add.info.: 11:00 A.M)

Background imageNewsboys Collection: Portrait of a newsboy handing a paper to a man in what apperas to be a restroom at

Portrait of a newsboy handing a paper to a man in what apperas to be a restroom at
5890542 Portrait of a newsboy handing a paper to a man in what apperas to be a restroom at the Duane Street Lodging House (9 Duane St.), c.1890 (b/w photo) by Riis

Background imageNewsboys Collection: Waifs and Strays of a Great City, A Group of Homeless New York Newsboys (litho)

Waifs and Strays of a Great City, A Group of Homeless New York Newsboys (litho)
6021910 Waifs and Strays of a Great City, A Group of Homeless New York Newsboys (litho) by American School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Waifs and Strays of a Great City)

Background imageNewsboys Collection: The Health of the Prince of Wales (engraving)

The Health of the Prince of Wales (engraving)
1626099 The Health of the Prince of Wales (engraving) by Robinson, Charles (1840-81); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Health of the Prince of Wales)

Background imageNewsboys Collection: Automata newsboy and flower girl 1887

Automata newsboy and flower girl 1887
Aut-omata aut nullus, erected by the anti-street Brawling association, to replace newsboys and flower girls. Date: 1887

Background imageNewsboys Collection: Christmas Dinner given to the Newsboys of Manchester (engraving)

Christmas Dinner given to the Newsboys of Manchester (engraving)
1105453 Christmas Dinner given to the Newsboys of Manchester (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Christmas Dinner given to the Newsboys of Manchester)

Background imageNewsboys Collection: The Newsboy (bodycolour on paper)

The Newsboy (bodycolour on paper)
1214029 The Newsboy (bodycolour on paper) by Hedley, Ralph (1848-1913); 32.3x42.5 cm; Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK; eTyne & Wear Archives & Museums; English, out of copyright

Background imageNewsboys Collection: A thirsty crowd at the old spring house, 1876 (etching)

A thirsty crowd at the old spring house, 1876 (etching)
497611 A thirsty crowd at the old spring house, 1876 (etching) by Forbes, Edwin Austin (1839-95); 47.9x60.5 cm; Gilder Lehrman Collection, New York, USA; (add.info.: Created by Forbes)

Background imageNewsboys Collection: Their Only Bed, Supperless and Homeless Street Boys sleeping out at Night

Their Only Bed, Supperless and Homeless Street Boys sleeping out at Night, A Night Scene in an Alley (litho)
6021900 Their Only Bed, Supperless and Homeless Street Boys sleeping out at Night, A Night Scene in an Alley (litho) by American School

Background imageNewsboys Collection: The Mothers Picture Alphabet -- N

The Mothers Picture Alphabet -- N, showing a boy selling newspapers on a street. Date: circa 1860

Background imageNewsboys Collection: Children swimming in the News Tribune newspaper pool

Children swimming in the News Tribune newspaper pool
Children swimming in the News Tribune newspaper newsboys plunge bath pool Date: 1900s

Background imageNewsboys Collection: Source Size = 3555 x 2710

Source Size = 3555 x 2710
Newsboys with Latest Accounts of the Prince of Wales, 1871

Background imageNewsboys Collection: Source Size = 3988 x 2921

Source Size = 3988 x 2921
Christmas Dinner Given to the Newsboys of Manchester, 1874



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In the early 1900s, newsboys were a common sight outside Portsmouth newsagents. These young boys, with their eager faces and bundles of newspapers, would shout out headlines to attract customers. It was a bustling scene, filled with energy and anticipation. One significant event that shook the world during this time was the death of Vittorio Emanuele. The newsboys must have been busy spreading this tragic news to the people of Portsmouth, ensuring everyone knew about the passing of such an influential figure. A captivating black and white photograph from Saint Louis, Missouri in 1910 shows three young newsboys taking a break while smoking cigarettes. In those days, it wasn't uncommon for children to work long hours in challenging conditions. This image serves as a poignant reminder of their resilience amidst adversity. Another photo captures a moment between a newsboy and a man inside what appears to be a restroom. Perhaps even in unexpected places like these, people relied on these young vendors for updates on current events. The portrait of another newspaper seller from around 1910 depicts someone who dedicated their life to selling papers on street corners or at busy intersections. They played an essential role in keeping communities informed before digital media took over. It also needed breaks just like anyone else; one particular picture showcases them enjoying some downtime while having cigarette breaks in St. Louis, Missouri back in 1910. An intriguing lithograph titled "Waifs and Strays of a Great City" portrays homeless New York Newsboys huddled together for warmth and companionship - highlighting the harsh realities faced by many children during that era. On lighter notes, engravings depict scenes such as Christmas Dinner given specifically for Manchester's Newsboys or an automata newsboy alongside a flower girl from 1887 - showcasing moments when these hardworking youngsters were acknowledged or celebrated within society. "The Health of the Prince Wales" engraving might have been eagerly sold by newsboys, as people were always interested in the well-being of royalty.