Type of paper used in newspapers around the turn of the century?

[KyozoKicks]

Hey Guys,

Basically like the topic states I'm looking into what kind of paper was being used for newspapers from around 1870-1910 in the United States? Also if the kind of paper used is readily available that will help!

As a point of reference I'm interested in the character A.W Merrick in the HBO series Deadwood printing the Black Hills Pioneer.

Any info on the techniques/materials used will be of interest :thumbsup

 

[DB537]

Most likely wood pulp newsprint would have been used. It's the exact same material used for newspapers today.
Newsprint - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Another possibility would be rag linen.

 

[EricHart]

It would have indeed been an off-white newsprint, pretty much the same as you can get today.
Ross MacDonald posted a how-to on a wanted poster he made for the "Jonah Hex" movie. Though it is not a newspaper, he does talk about the printing techniques and technology that was common in the Wild West period that you're looking at.
ross-macdonald.com - Jonah Hex wanted poster

 

[KyozoKicks]

Hey thanks guys,

I'm not sure why I thought it was anything other than newsprint. My minds eye made it seem more like a cardstock for some reason. I think the dimensions of the prints I have seen from that era also threw me off somewhat.

Thanks for the links too!

 

[Michael Bergeron]

Hey thanks guys,

I'm not sure why I thought it was anything other than newsprint. My minds eye made it seem more like a cardstock for some reason. I think the dimensions of the prints I have seen from that era also threw me off somewhat.

Thanks for the links too!

If it were much earlier than this it would have been a cotton fibre paper so you're not off in thinking it may look different. I collect significant newspapers and the cotton ones are a little thicker and last MUCH better. I have a paper from 1778 that is in better condition than ones I have from the early 1900's!