NEWSPAPERS
Newspaper clippings file
The library’s most frequently consulted resource is its newspaper clippings file. Characterized as one of the states best, it was begun in the 1930’s by CCHS volunteers and has grown to fill over 150 file drawers. The file contains articles clipped from Chester County newspapers (over 40 titles represented), and covers the time period of about 1810-1970. It is divided into 3 sections:
- Family Surname articles are alphabetically arranged by last name and then first initial, this is where you will find obituaries, marriage announcements, etc.
- Chester County articles are alphabetically arranged under headings that apply to the entire county (such as county offices and organizations) or to more than one township (such as creeks)
- Township articles are first arranged by township or borough and then alphabetically by headings for local businesses, churches, real estate, history, maps, etc.
Newspapers on Microfilm and CD
The library’s collection of local newspapers on CD and microfilm includes:
- American Republican (West Chester), 1858-1876
- American Weekly Mercury, 1719-1746
- Avondale Herald, 1896-1939
- Chester and Delaware Federalist (West Chester), 1809-1817
- Coatesville Record, 1908-1993
- The Daily Local News (West Chester), 1872 to 2006
- Downingtown Archive, 1877-1974
- Jeffersonian (West Chester), 1843-1910
- Oxford Press, 1866-1977
- various Phoenixville papers, ca. 1871-1994
- Village Record (West Chester), 1818-1916