September 3 is Penny Press Day. In 1833 Benjamin Day began selling the New York Sun for one penny, instead of the customary six cents. He thought working class people would buy the more affordable paper, especially if the news was targeted to them, and he was right! He also began the practice of hiring newsboys to sell papers. In 1834, the paper published the “Moon Hoax,” which claimed life had been found on the moon. Rather than being outraged at the “false” journalism, the readers were entertained, and the newspaper increased in popularity, attesting to the fascination with speculative fiction even 165 years ago. Other newspapers, including The New York Tribune and The New York Times, began as penny papers.
I like the idea of celebrating the penny press, because it made reading more affordable for the masses.
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
~N
Today's Kidlit Book 