(NOTE: All information from Tribunes dated Nov. 1, in 1860, 1900, 1940 and 1996.)
The vital statistics:
1860–The Editor: Joseph Medill
Circulation: 18,000 (1861 figure)
Price: 3 cents (No Sunday paper)
Size: 4 pages
1900–The Editor: Robert Patterson
Circulation: 84,181 (179,144 Sunday)
Price: 2 cents (5 cents Sunday)
Size: 16 pages
1940–The Editor: Col. Robert R. McCormick
Circulation: 1,076,866 (1,132,602 Sunday)
Price: 2 cents (10 cents Sunday)
Size: 38 pages
1996–The Editor: Howard A. Tyner
Circulation: 680,535 (1,046,777 Sunday)
Price: 50 cents ($1.75 Sunday)
Size: 94 full-size pages; 136 tabloid pages
Hot news of the day:
1860–Lincoln–and the city’s shortage of fire engines.
1900–French count told to keep hands off U.S.-born countess’ fortune.
1940–“Tokio” paper says U.S. plans war with Japan.
1996–An ailing Cardinal Bernardin cuts back duties.
And the editorials said:
1860–South is doomed without tax cash from North.
1900–Bryan flip-flops on gold standard.
1940–Joe Kennedy, FDR fudge on joining Europe’s war.
1996–New Clinton China policy should key on rights.
The Tribune endorses:
1860–Lincoln, Republican
1900–McKinley, Republican
1940–Wilkie, Republican
1996–Dole, Republican
The columnists:
1860–None.
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1900–None.
1940–Arch Ward in sports, Ruth DeYoung Kohler on the women’s page, plus columns on Hollywood and bridge.
1996–The 17 Tribune-based columnists in news, sports, features and business who didn’t have the day off analyze just about everything.
Local flavor, like it or not:
1860–“We see on our streets several returned Pike’s Peakers.”
1900–A 10-year-old girl denies attempting to poison her foster parents.
1940–Democratic machine is accused of trying to thwart honest election.
1996–A 14-year-old’s statement details the killing of Robert “Yummy” Sandifer, 11.
Not necessarily the news:
1860–“A meeting of the Republicans will be held at which good speaking, good singing, and a good time generally, may be expected.”
1900–In serial “The Mark of Tor,” the said mark is exposed just in time.
1940–In a book excerpt, FDR is revealed as a really, really bad guy.
1996–Meigs Field, once a pet Tribune project, must go, says Tribune critic.
Women in the news:
1860–Headline: “A Female Inebriate Commits Suicide.” She was Rosanna Delany, “a notorious woman,” who jumped from a third-floor window.
1900–A letter to the Board of Education from a women’s club is returned because Caroline Sherman objects to its addressing the board as “Gentlemen.” Mrs. Sherman is a member of the board.
1940–In a short feature called “The Housewife,” the writer reminds us that “a hostess never has too many large crystal dishes.”
1996–Columnist Mary Schmich expresses dismay at those who put people into mind-set compartments epitomized by “soccer moms.”
Minorities in the news:
1860–“A Scotch woman named Ellen Taylor, about fifty years of age, crosseyed, stout built, and about five and a half feet in height, is missing.”
1900–A heroic “colored servant” saves a company payroll from robbers. In an editorial: “Those who are familiar with the race have long known the negro is a good fighter.”
1940–FDR’s Virginia-born secretary is accused of kneeing “a colored policeman.” He apologizes for it and also denies doing it. Says the policeman: “I’m a Democrat. I will vote for Roosevelt.”
1996–Four North Carolina men are charged with burning crosses outside the home of a racially mixed couple and Michael Jordan, also from North Carolina, leads the Bulls into their season opener.
On sale now:
1860–Hoop skirts starting at 37 1/2 cents at T.B. Carter.
1900–Women’s shoes for $2.95 at Mandel Brothers.
1940–Women’s shoes for $8.75 at Marshall Field & Co.
1996–Women’s shoes reduced to $74.99 at Bloomingdale’s.
Sporting life:
1860–Two one-paragraph stories: one on a 10-mile horse race, the other on a billiard contest.
1900–One page. Top story: University of Chicago might have used an ineligible football player.
1940–Three pages. Top story: Northwestern football team ready for Minnesota.
1996–Fourteen pages. Top story: Jordan and Bugs Bunny set for the season opener.
Going out?
1860–“The Octoroon,” a melodrama about a slave woman, at McVicker’s Theatre. Cheapest seat: 25 cents.
1900–Continuous vaudeville (including Jack Norworth) at the Olympic. Cheapest seat: 10 cents.
1940–Betty Grable on stage, “Northwest Mounted Police” on screen at the Chicago Theater. Cheapest seat: 44 cents.
1996–Donny Osmond returns yet again in Joseph, etc. at the Chicago Theater. Cheapest seat: $37.
Staying home?
1860–Ads offer melodeons and pianos for rent.
1900–Ads still offer rental pianos and now pool tables.
1940–Radio listings include Kate Smith and Tyrone Power in “The Mark of Zorro” at 7 p.m. on WBBM. Power plays Zorro.
1996–TV listings include talk shows with topics ranging from “Weight Loss” (Maury Povich, WGN-Ch. 9) to “Obesity Woes” (Jerry Springer, WMAQ-Ch. 5).
Need a home?
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1860–The Lake House, a “first-class hotel” near the Rush Street bridge, offers rooms at $1.50 per day.
1900–Rent a 10-room house in Woodlawn (276 66th Pl.) for $50/month.
1940–Buy a seven-room, two-bath house in Winnetka for $9,250.
1996–Rent a four-room, two-bath apartment in Lincoln Park for $1,450/month.
The markets:
1860–Heavy on news of arrivals and prices of grains and livestock, plus port activity.
1900–Still heavy on grains and livestock, but stock tables total half of one column.
1940–Three-page section with strong emphasis on stocks and other investments; news on commodities reduced.
1996–Ten-page section (plus supplements) covers all aspects of business and finance. Farm prices buried amid 5 3/4 pages of stock/futures tables.
Help wanted:
1860–“Agents to engage in a pleasant and profitable Business in which Ladies and Gentlemen of good address can make from $2 to $10 per Day.”
1900–Salesman “to go on the road; want a bright man, good appearance and hard worker; to start, $18 a week and part expenses.”
1940–“Experienced salesman, over 30; road work. $60 weekly.”
1996–“Dancers/showgirls. Opportunity of a lifetime. $500/day not uncommon. No experience necessary.”