Can I unroll old crumbly newspapers?

boaterboi

boaterboi

Can't ReMember
Location
Clarkston, Michigan
I found these in my home's walls during some remodeling awhile back. They are local newspapers from the 30s and 40s. I tried to unroll some but they just crumble and I can only read limited areas. Is there any way to make them less crumbly?
 

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The papers don't appear to have much value so I would take the one you care about the least and mist it with a fine spray of water, from a plastic spray bottle, until it becomes more pliable and then carefully try to unroll it.

Good luck!
 
Aunt Bea said:
The papers don't appear to have much value so I would take the one you care about the least and mist it with a fine spray of water, from a plastic spray bottle, until it becomes more pliable and then carefully try to unroll it.

Good luck!
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Hmm. Yeah, that sounds like an idea. You know where else they used to use them? Underneath linoleum! I found a whole stack at an old home I use to live in. They were flat and in much better shape--think I still might have them somewhere. If you manage to uncurl them and find something interesting, take a picture.
 

I don't know but I would try humidity too, like maybe running a hot shower and leaving them in the bathroom until it gets steamy. I don't think you'll ever get them to unroll perfectly without tearing them though.
 
I was thinking humidity also but not sure how to do it. There is no value here but the stories and ads are awesome! I know I'll never unroll them completely as they are already crumbling. I would just like to look at them before I throw them away.
 
boaterboi said:
I was thinking humidity also but not sure how to do it. There is no value here but the stories and ads are awesome! I know I'll never unroll them completely as they are already crumbling. I would just like to look at them before I throw them away.
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If you can see the dates you probably can find copies of them on film or digitized at the newspaper office, historical society or public library in your area. Some of our local papers are also available on the internet.

Good luck
 
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