Browse Items (243 total)

  • Collection: Gossip Columns and Columnists

Brewster's Letters, Boston Evening Transcript, Jan 22, 1884

The newspaper note describes Brewster as a foreign correspondent with "an enviable reputation." Credit Newspaper.com

"Our Woman's Department," New York Freeman, Jan 9, 1886

This is an exemple of of Gertrude Mossell's "Our Woman's Department," written for New York Freeman, one of the earliest advice columns specifically dedicated to Black women. Above each version, Mossell informs her readers that this column "will be…

"The Queen Loves Bare Shoulders," San Francisco Examiner, Mar 28, 1886

The San Francisco Examiner publishes one of Greenwood's letters. In a witty account, Greenwood comments on the royal etiquette. Credit Newspaper.com

"They Say," The Boston Advocate, Nov 13, 1886

In this edition of "They Say," Bert Islew informs her readers, among others, "That it is well to remember that what you don't know may be of more interest to the world than what you do know." "That Bert Islew has 'caught on' Augustie." "That the…

"Is It Anybody's Business?" The Boston Advocate, Aug 21, 1886

A sociocritical poem written by an anonymous author about gossip. Credit My Heritage (via Boston Public Library)

"Bridgeport Gleanings," The Boston Advocate, Aug 28, 1886

An example of the column "Bridgeport Gleanings" in The Boston Advocate where the readers are informed about social and political affairs, religious events, and news about prominent members in the community. In this particular instance, the column…

"They Say," The Boston Advocate, Sep 4, 1886

In this edition of "They Say," Bert Islew informs her readers, among others, "That among the fashionable Boston people there have been more receptions within the last week than there have been for a long time." "That Madame Selika made a great…

"They Say," The Boston Advocate, Sep 11, 1886

In this edition of "They Say," Bert Islew informs her readers, among others, "That Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe is in ill health" "That the son of Jay Gould, who has been visiting Saratoga, was not introduced to any young lady while there, and…

"They Say," The Boston Advocate, Sep 18, 1886

In this edition of "They Say," Bert Islew informs her readers, among others, "That Mme. Selika and Mr. Williams were guests at the Aquidneck, Newport, last week." "That Mme. Selika's stage costumes are made by Worth." "That the lady and…

"They Say," The Boston Advocate, Sep 25, 1886

In this edition of "They Say," Bert Islew informs her readers, among others, "That James G. Blaine Jr., youngest son of Hon. James G. Blaine was married to the daughter of Col. Nevins, of Ohio, two weeks ago." "That a certain young man entered a…

"They Say," The Boston Advocate, Oct 9, 1886

In this edition of "They Say," Bert Islew informs her readers, among others, "That Edward Solomon, the composer and husband, of Lillian Russell, was arrested in London last week, charged with bigamy." "That Matthews, a colored democrat, is…

"They Say," The Boston Advocate, Oct 16, 1886

In this edition of "They Say," Bert Islew informs her readers, among others, "That Robert Smalls, the negro statesman, has been elected to Congress, five times. That he will no doubt secure his sixth election in November." "That Fred Douglass and…

"They Say," The Boston Advocate, Oct 23, 1886

In this edition of "They Say," Bert Islew informs her readers, among others, "That a well known young lady was looking for an earthquake last week." "That Miss Cleveland has been a failure as an editor. That she will sever her connection with the…

"They Say," The Boston Advocate, Oct 30, 1886

In this edition of "They Say," Bert Islew informs her readers, among others, "That Robt Ingersoll cannot recover from the throat trouble with which he is ill." "That if there were no Boston ADVOCATE, society would go mad with ennui." "That the…

"They Say," The Boston Advocate, Nov 6, 1886

In this edition of "They Say," Bert Islew informs her readers, among others, "That when a woman wants to repair damages she uses a pin. That when a man wants to repair damages he spends two hours and a half trying to thread a needle." "That in…

"They Say," The Boston Advocate, Nov 27, 1886

In this edition of "They Say," Bert Islew informs her readers, among others, "That the dresses of all the lady artists were handsome. That white cashmere and white satin were the prevailing costumes." "That Theodore Roosevelt is a brave man. That…

"They Say," The Boston Advocate, Dec 4, 1886

Example of Lillian A. Lewis' society news column "They Say," written under her pseudonym "Bert Islew" for The Boston Advocate (and distinghuished as such from reprints from other publications through the sub-heading "specially reported for the…

"They Say," The Boston Advocate, Dec 11, 1886

In this edition of "They Say," Bert Islew informs her readers, among others, "That a new steamboat line has been established between Boston and Charleston, S.C." "That 1193 women have registered in this city for the city election" "That one of…

"They Say," The Boston Advocate, Dec 18, 1886

In this edition of "They Say," Bert Islew informs her readers, among others, "That society is complaining of ennui. That the Fraternals Ball will probably cure that." "That two Iowa girls are successful paper hangers, and earn as high as $12.00…

"They Say," The Boston Advocate, Jan 1, 1887

In this edition of "They Say," Bert Islew informs her readers, among others, "That a choice programme for the ADVOCATE Concert next Tuesday night is in preparation." "That one of the young Boston boys is filling the position of stenographer and…