PBS Wisconsin Education takes a “Look Back” at amateur newspapers as a form of communication for young people of the time (AKA the original social media). Our talented member Phil Hasset of Washboard Press demonstrates how to operate his mini printing press. Each individual letter must be painstakingly placed to form full letters, poetry, news, and debate. Phil brings his press with him to events around Wisconsin so you too can witness the magic of the printing press by pulling your own print! Watch this video to learn a little bit about the printing press and the history around early amateur newspapers.

Young people writing and printing their own newspapers became popular in the late 1860s and 70s. This was a time of significant industrialization in the United States. With the invention of a small, hobby printing press, young people could make and share news via their own newspapers and grow communities by printing and swapping them.

At Polka! Press Co-op, we have a wonderful selection of typography in varying fonts and sizes that can be used on our printing press. Members enjoy collecting vintage blocks to add to our eclectic collection of imagery for the press.