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CORSICANA DAILY SUN
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        1966 to the present.
        April 1st - June 30, 1911

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CORSICANA LIGHT
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Oct. 4, 1910 only

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CORSICANA OBSERVER
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        November 19, 1873 thru December 25, 1975
        November 12, 1870 thru November 4, 1871
        January 8, 1876 thru December 1, 1877

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CORSICANA SEMI-WEEKLY LIGHT
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        July 1 thru December 30, 1966
        July 2 thru December 24, 1968
        Jan. 1 thru March 25, 1969
        April thru June 27, 1969
        June 1 thru Sept. 30, 1969
        Oct. thru Dec. 1969
        Jan. thru June 1970
        July thru Dec. 1970
        Jan. thru Dec. 1971

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CORSICANA SEMI-LIGHT WEEKLY
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       Jan. thru Dec. 1972              Jan. thru Dec. 1977
        Jan. thru Dec. 1973              Jan. thru Dec. 1978
        Jan. thru Dec. 1974              Jan. thru Dec. 1979
        Jan. thru Dec. 1975              Jan. thru Dec. 1980
        Jan. thru Dec. 1976              Jan. thru Dec. 1981

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THE SUN LIGHT SHOPPER
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        Sept. thru Dec. 1979
        Jan. thru Dec. 1980
        Jan. thru Dec. 1981

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NAVARRO EXPRESS
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October 29, 1859 thru November 21, 1861

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Barker Texas History Center
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Blue and Gold Hi News - Nov. 26, 1924 and Jan. 16, 1925

Corsicana Daily Sun - Sept. 29, 1914; Feb 27, 1932;
and the Centennial Edition, 1936 as well as an
incomplete run of papers from Mar. 6, 1940 through
Dec. 31, 1942

Corsicana Democrat and Truth 
Jan. 23, 1908 - June 27, 1918 (incomplete)
Feb. 26, 1925 - Dec. 22, 1927 (incomplete)

Flying Lines -
Mar. 13, 1943 - Sept. 7, 1944 (incomplete)

You'll notice that even though the guide indicates that they
have a run of papers from say 1943 through 1944, the
collection is incomplete so they will not have every
paper within that time range.
To see the newspapers you would either have to visit
the Center for American History or you can
get copies through purchase or interlibrary loan. If
you have questions about this procedure contact
Stephanie Malmros at the Center for American History
at 512-495-4545

Center for American History
University of Texas at Austin

10/23/2005 Camille McClanahan: Catching up with history through microfilmed newspapers

Ever heard of the Prairie Blade? What about the Navarro Express? Corsicana Observer? No?
OK, then what about the Texas Messenger, Semi-Occasional Advertiser, Weekly Observer, Corsicana Daily Courier, Corsicana Democrat and Truth, Corsicana Daily Courier Light or the Semi-Weekly Light?
Ah, I bet some remember the last one, along with the Daily Sun, of course.
These papers (and possibly more that I’m not aware of), some of which date back as early as 1855, have been available for viewing at the Corsicana Public Library for quite some time now by means of microfilm.
But, now even more papers (the Daily Sun and Semi-Weekly Light specifically) will be available soon. Unless you’ve been living under a rock or you happen to be a recent prison escapee, you should already be aware that the mass amount of these two publications will soon be on microfilm at the library. Yea!
As of now, volunteers are desperately needed to verify dates of the papers according to librarian Pat Spiller. Folks who help in the Genealogy Department have been aiding tremendously with this pain-staking project, yet more volunteers are needed. As I observed Tuesday, the work is not hard, yet it is detailed. The problem with verifying dates? Obviously it’s the fact you can get sidetracked by looking at the stories in the paper.
While I was there, Bill and Geneva Davis were verifying dates of the Semi-Weekly Light. One small example of something Geneva observed in the July 27, 1920, paper was this notice for the cost of the paper: “Rates in Navarro County and United States, both for renewals and new subscriptions: In advance, one year, $1.50; six months, 75 cents; three months, 50 cents. Out of United States, $2.00 per year.”
Not too bad a cost, was it? This particular publication was printed twice a week (obviously) on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Bill happened to think the Hippy Hoppy Drink ad in 1917 was amusing. So did I for that matter. What a catchy name! Prohibition hadn’t started, yet Pabst was ahead of the game in producing this non-alcoholic beverage.
While I was at the library, I wanted to peruse some older editions of papers. I chose some 1911 publications. I couldn’t help but be astounded that a complete song “The Silver Star” was produced in the April 1 paper. In a later paper, I saw the complete “sheet music” to a song from the Ziegfield Follies. I found this very interesting and wondered if songs were published in newspapers to get the public to start singing and playing them, thus ensuring the popularity of the songs.
An ad that the Corsicana Daily Sun had on April 3 was interesting: “FOR SALE-Big bookkeepers desk; large and roomy. Will sell very cheap. Apply this office.” Hmmm. Wonder if the newspaper’s bookkeeper lost his job over this one?
And another one from April 6: “LOST-One large size Moore Non-Leakable fountain pen. Finder leave at this office and receive reward.” Hmmm. Was there a Loyd Cook persona around then? Since Loyd has a penchant for taking our ink pens and placing them at various places in the office (and occasionally at his home), he must have had some ancestor working for the company back then with the same klepto tendencies.
The ad from May 2 of the same year was a hoot, too, regarding a wrestling match between Al Mandino vs. Cap Jones at the Merchants Opera House with the best two of three falls to win. Cost for this exciting venue? 25 cents to $1 with stage seats at a whopping $1.25. The last line of the ad tickled my funny bone — “Ladies will be admitted.” Ooh, you mean women wanted to see wrestling matches back in 1911? What’d you know?
I’m thrilled with the prospect of eventually being able to look for specific dates and names regarding my family’s history. Will it tell about the winning basketball shot my dad made for Rice High School in 1932 at the Oak Grove Invitational? I know my great-grandpa’s obituary is in the 1958 Corsicana Daily Sun because I’ve seen it in print. Will a newspaper show the list of marriage licenses — specifically of my grandma and grandpa in 1912?
As much as I’d like to see the above items, it will take time. Why? Because once again, volunteers are needed to help complete this project. Do you have a few hours a week to help with this worthwhile endeavor? If so, talk to Pat at the library to see how you can help. Volunteerism is at its best is when you are a part of it, and I feel sure you won’t regret being a part of history in the making.
Through the issues I looked at, I did not see one single, solitary recipe. So, to do justice to the future (in case anyone ever looks at this copy of the paper 50 or 100 years from now), here’s my recipe for Frito Pie. Maybe I’ve spent just too many nights at ball games, but a Frito Pie would really hit the spot right now. My stomach is growling — loudly!
Frito Pie
3 cups Fritos
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can (15 ounce) chili
Place 2 cups of corn chips in baking dish. Arrange chopped onion and half of cheese over chips. Pour heated chili over onions and cheese. Top with remaining corn chips and cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.
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Camille McClanahan may be contacted via e-mail at [email protected]