|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A History of the Maryland Press, 1777-1790
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
often difficult for the owner to find a competent and educated person to
do either the typesetting or press work. Bartgis apparently was faced
with this difficulty at his press in Frederick. One of the common methods
of obtaining the necessary help was that of taking a youth as an appren-
tice and training him to be the "printer's devil" and later compositor
and press man. Bartgis frequently advertised in order to attract a ca-
pable boy to the trade.
"Wanted immediately, By the Printer hereof, A Young Lad, about 14 or 15 years of age, who can
read well, and write tolerably, in the English and German languages, as an apprentice to the Print-
ing-business."11
Another method of obtaining assistance was that of advertising in the
paper in the hope that a copy of it might be seen by a printer in an
establishment in another city who was willing to better his lot. Bartgis
also resorted to this method on July 26, 1786, in The Maryland Chronicle.
"Two Hundred Dollars will be given per Annum, to A Journeyman Printer, That understands
the English and German Languages, who can be well recommended for Sobriety and Diligence."
Besides printing the two newspapers he published an occasional
pamphlet, an annual almanac and an assortment of blanks in English
and German. The press had a bookbinding shop connected with it,
according to these advertisements:
"An Apprentice To The Book-Binding Business, Is Wanted; Enquire of the Printer hereof."12
"A Journeyman Printer, Or Book-Binder is Wanted; Enquire of the Printer."13
Bartgis operated a paper mill near Frederick, on the Tuscarora, and
frequently advertised for rags. In an undated, double leaf publication
containing "Friendly Hints On Various Subjects"14 he wrote under the
heading "Order and Economy" the following request for discarded
cloth.
"Our Savior when on earth, though he could have what he wished by speaking the word, yet
he commanded all the fragments to be gathered up. Let all imitate him and gather up their food
and clothing: even your old rags are worth saving; for some person in every town will give cash,
paper or books in exchange, for cotton and linen rags.
"The public is respectfully reminded, that one cent upon every pound of Good Rags, will be
afforded above the current price, either in cash or books, for all that are offered at M. Bartgis's
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11 Maryland Ckronu.lt, February 1, 1786.
12 Maryland Chronicle, August 16. 1786.
13 Maryland Chronicle, July 4, 1787.
14 There is a copy at the Maryland Historical Society. It was probably published after 1791.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
[62]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
