Bridgewater Independent newspapers

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: MSS-012

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection contains printed issues of the Bridgewater Independent newspaper (from 1887-2019) as well as a small number of issues of the Journal-News Independent (from 2019-2020). The bulk of the newspapers were published from 1980-2020.

Dates

Creation: 1887-2020
Creation: Majority of material found within 1980-2020

Creator

Pratt, Henry T., 1836-1898 (Person)
Franklin Publishing Co. Inc. (Organization)
South Shore Publications, Inc. (Organization)
Wicked Local (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright restrictions may apply. Requests for permission to publish material from this collection should be discussed with Archives & Special Collections staff.

Biographical / Historical

The Bridgewater Independent began in 1876. According to History Highlights: Bridgewater, Massachusetts A Commemorative Journal “In 1876 [Henry T.] Pratt began the publication of ‘Every Saturday,’ a local newspaper which later became known as the ‘Bridgewater Independent.’ For a number of years he conducted its columns editorially, until its transfer to Joseph Hooker.”

The paper was later published by James H. Dickinson. According to History Highlights: Bridgewater, Massachusetts A Commemorative Journal “[James H. Dickinson] was editor, owner and publisher of the Bridgewater Independent from 1905 to 1949, and continued to write the editorials until his death on Jan. 6, 1949.”

In 2007 WickedLocal began publishing the Bridgewater Independent, and in May 2019, the Bridgewater Independent merged with other local papers operated by WickedLocal to become the Journal-News Independent. The first issues of the Journal-News Independent was June 7, 2019. In April 2020 free delivery to the Bridgewater Public Library ceased due to the Covid-19 pandemic and was not able to be reinstated.

Extent

52.67 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection contains printed issues of the Bridgewater Independent newspaper.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged in chronological order.

Physical Access

Delicate materials may be restricted due to their condition.

Technical Access

There are no technical restrictions on this collection.

Physical Location

Bridgewater Public Library Historical Room

Custodial History

Newspapers from 1980 onward were collected through a Bridgewater Public Library subscription to the paper. Early issues may have been donated or owned by an S. P. Gates.

Accruals

Accruals are not expected.

Existence and Location of Copies

The following reproductions are available to researchers:

Microfilm copies of issues from 1876-1993 are available for Historical Room use only at the Bridgewater Public Library.

Related Archival Materials at the Bridgewater Public Library

The following materials may also be of interest:

Microfilm copies of issues from 1876-1993 are available for Historical Room use only at the Bridgewater Public Library.

Related Archival Materials at Other Institutions

Bridgewater Independent newspapers at the Old Bridgewater Historical Society

Microfilm copies of issues from 1876, 1879-1880, and 1884-1924 are available for in-library use at the Boston Public Library.

Bibliography

Bridgewater Independent newspapers (MSS012). Bridgewater Public Library Archives & Special Collections.
History Highlights: Bridgewater, Massachusetts A Commemorative Journal. (1976). Bridgewater Bicentennial Commission
Welcome to Wicked Local Bridgewater. (2007, October 2). WickedLocal.com. Retrieved November 22, 2022 from https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/journal-news-independent/2007/10/02/welcome-to-wicked-local-bridgewater/39682291007/