The American Antiquarian Society is the world's largest repository of printed materials on early America. But why is it in Worcester?
Founder Isaiah Thomas was a revolutionary patriot and printer of the radical Boston newspaper, The Massachusetts Spy. The British authorities called it a “sedition factory” and tried several times to shut it down. On April 16, 1775 (three days before the Battles of Lexington and Concord), Thomas decided he had to leave. He snuck his printing press out of Boston in the middle of the night to a place out of harm’s way. That place was Worcester.
A few weeks later, he released the first Worcester issue, where he reported on the events of Lexington and Concord. He remained there after the Revolution and founded the AAS in 1812. That very same printing press remains on public display for all visitors to admire.
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the daring adventure of his printing press, I am exhibiting three items from my collection relating to Isaiah Thomas: a 1774 edition of The Massachusetts Spy; his book plate, engraved by Paul Revere; and a special association copy of his book, The History of Printing in America.
The Massachusetts Spy or, Thomas's Boston Journal. Number 173. Boston: Printed by Isaiah Thomas, Thursday, May 26, 1774. 2 leaves, folio. Masthead engraved by Paul Revere.
This issue of The Massachusetts Spy was published when General Thomas Gage arrived in Boston to replace Thomas Hutchinson as Royal Governor. Gage was there to enforce the “Intolerable Acts” that were passed to punish Boston for the Tea Party.
The issue reports on a parliamentary session filled with disdain for the people of Massachusetts. It also includes an “epitaph” for the hated Thomas Hutchinson. One week later, Hutchinson left for London, never to return.
Isaiah Thomas. History of Printing in America. [Timothy Bigelow]. Worcester, Massachusetts: Isaiah Thomas, 1810. First Edition. Inscribed “Hon. Timothy Bigelow | From his Friend and humble Servant | The Author.”
Timothy Bigelow served as an apprentice in Isaiah Thomas’s printing office. He went on to become one of the most prominent lawyers in Massachusetts and later served as Speaker of the House. Bigelow and Thomas shared a “passion for books and a strong love of literature,” and they would later join together to found the American Antiquarian Society.
This book remains one of the most authoritative sources on the history of printing in America.
Isaiah Thomas Bookplate [William Augustus “Whizzer” Wheeler; Meg Wheeler] Engraved by Paul Revere. c.1798. Accompanied by Letter dated 8 April 1982 from American Antiquarian Society Director Marcus McCorison to Mr. and Mrs. William Wheeler enclosing bookplate as a gift.
William “Whizzer” Wheeler was a Worcester native who had a lifelong love of history. He collected “an impressive collection of autographs and historical documents [and, like me,] was proud to have been elected a member of the American Antiquarian Society.”
Wheeler made some donations to AAS, and as a thank you gift, former AAS Director McCorison “was able to find a bookplate of Isaiah Thomas’s … and take pleasure in forwarding it to you.”
