I'm a newly contracted Love Inspired Historical author smitten with the Victorian Era. I live in the heart of California's Gold Country, where I set my stories.
My historic town of Placerville is home to the state's oldest newspaper. The Mountain Democrat harkens back to 1854.
When I began writing my historical romances and delved into research of the area, I learned that our local library has the Mountain Democrat on microfilm dating back to the paper's earliest issues. The day I made that discovery, I felt like I'd hit the Mother Lode.
After a quick refresher in how to use a microfilm reader--a skill I learned in the Dark Ages when I was in high school--I spent
several blissful hours scrolling through issues from the 1870s. Time stood
still as I jotted page after page of notes.
I set my stories in actual Gold Rush-era towns. By reading the advertisements, announcements and articles in the old issues of the paper, I'm able to add real people, places and events to my stories.
My perusals of the paper have yielded some great finds. I've learned where businesses were located and what they sold; when special events such as balls, concerts and benefits took place and who provided the entertainment; and what first and last names people in this area had in that era.
I'm starting a new story, so guess where I'll be spending some time? Yes. Parked in front of the microfilm reader at the library reading the Mountain Democrat and learning even more about this wonderful area I'm blessed to call home.
I'm starting a new story, so guess where I'll be spending some time? Yes. Parked in front of the microfilm reader at the library reading the Mountain Democrat and learning even more about this wonderful area I'm blessed to call home.
❤❤❤
Have you ever used a microfilm (microfiche) reader?
What fun facts have you learned from reading old newspapers?
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