Journalism Memorabilia Appraisal

Framed Front Page of The Louisville Times Newspaper (May 5, 1961)

This item is the front page of The Louisville Times newspaper, dated Friday, May 5, 1961, presented within a simple, dark-toned wooden frame with a glass front. The newspaper itself is a broadsheet, approximately 24 inches by 36 inches, and features the prominent headline 'U.S. Spaceman Up... Down Safe,' commemorating Alan Shepard's historic space flight. Additional headlines visible include 'High Court Upholds County's Wage Tax,' 'Run For Roses Has 'Em Guessing,' 'Shepard's Life Is Just One Challenge After Another,' and 'Kennedy Salutes Feat, Calls Hero.' The paper retains its original newsprint quality, now characterized by significant yellowing and discoloration consistent with its age. Several visible creases are present across the surface, and minor imperfections such as small tears or folds may be present, though not explicitly detailed. The newspaper's masthead clearly displays 'The Louisville Times, FINAL HOME' edition, along with 'Vol. CLXIX - No. 200,' 'Friday Evening, May 5, 1961,' and the original price of 'Seven Cents.' No specific maker's marks or signatures are apparent beyond the newspaper's own branding. The framing, composed of a dark, likely black and gold-toned wood, serves to protect and display the newspaper. The item is in good condition, considering its age, with the framing having preserved it, though no repairs to the newspaper itself are evident. The ensemble represents a snapshot of American journalism from the early 1960s, offering a tangible piece of history related to a pivotal moment in the Space Race. Its aesthetic is utilitarian, typical of framing for historical documents, emphasizing the content rather than elaborate adornment, and the craftsmanship of the newspaper itself, a mass-produced item, is indicative of the printing standards of the era.