To Our Readers

BY JOHN FLANAGAN

Sunday, June 24, 2001

Who wants yesterday’s
newspaper? People
want to know

Hello. I have an old Honolulu Star-Bulletin newspaper with the date Dec. 7 1941. I would like to know if someone would like to buy it. Please e-mail me ASAP."

I used to get an inquiry like that about once a month. Because of the Antique Roadshow on TV and the new movie "Pearl Harbor," lately I've been getting them more often.

"Dear Editor, I have just come into possession of this wonderful apparent piece of history. I have your newspaper dated Dec. 7, 1941 1st Extra. The headline is 'WAR! Oahu Bombed by Japanese Planes.' Did you actually print this headline on Dec. 7, 1941? Any guidance would be appreciated. I would love to hear from you folks. P.S. It was priced as follows : 'Price Five Cents.' "

Yes, we actually printed that headline. Five cents? Amazing.

"What I have here is a 1941 Honolulu Star-Bulletin 1st Extra newspaper. I have the hole thing, the hole newspaper, and its in a great shape (sic). So anyways, how much (is) something (like) that maybe worth?"

It's worth exactly what somebody is willing to pay.

"Hi -- need some help regarding a Star-Bulletin newspaper, dated Dec. 7th, 1941, 1st EXTRA Edition...WAR. It was found in a house in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, and the paper feels old. Do you have any info regarding this issue? I know reprints were made, but (I'm) wondering if there are many Original Issues around."

I'll bet Star-Bulletins are rare in Ontario, so your copy could be worth a lot (just kidding).

"I have one of your old newspapers, and I wonder if you could tell me if it has any value? It is dated Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941. The front page article being war, Oahu bombed by Japanese planes, any info would be appreciated."

We're told reprints of the famous Star-Bulletin WAR Extra are still bestsellers at the Arizona Memorial. They are also available in hotel gift shops all over Hawaii and tens of thousands of the keepsakes have been sold over the decades.

I answer each of these request with the same truth: The Star-Bulletin sells newspapers; we don't buy them.

But, if you're in the market for a Dec. 7 extra, just let me know. I know some sellers.

---

John Flanagan is editor and publisher of the Star-Bulletin.
To reach him call 529-4748, fax to 529-4750, send
e-mail to publisher@starbulletin.com or write to
500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 7-500, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813.