After a failed effort to share his love of history with others 38 years ago, former International Falls resident Bruce Robbins is giving it another try.
On July 4, 1976, Robbins set up a booth in Smokey Bear Park to sell The Bicentennial Journal, a special collector’s edition of Daily Journal front pages and headlines. Hoping to break even for his efforts and allow others the opportunity to appreciate the area’s history, Robbins went into the endeavor with high hopes. However, much to his disappointment, the hustle and bustle of the day took over potential customers and he was unable to sell several of his booklets.
“I thought for sure they’d be snatched up right away,” he said. “I think it took me four to six months to put together.”
Now, 38 years later, Robbins is hopeful there are still history buffs in the area interested in the booklet.
“It’d be great for someone who loves history as much as I do,” he said. “I think people would find them interesting...I still have about 100 of these collector’s editions in new condition and...am offering them for sale at $10 each, plus $6 for shipping.”
Back in the day
Robbins moved to International Falls in 1972 after getting married to Karen Bakken, who was from the area. He worked as an entertainer at the Holiday Inn, but said his passion was and still is history.
“I’m a patriotic American,” he said. “I love the newspaper and I love history.”
Wanting to share his love of days gone by with others, he decided to compile notable headlines for The Bicentennial Journal.
“I went to The Daily Journal and asked if I could go through the archives,” he said. “I knew there were papers starting to rot away and I wanted to preserve some of the area’s history.”
Back then, he said the Internet wasn’t available so he gathered history books to pinpoint notable dates. He then found editions with headlines from events such as World War II, the sinking of the RMS Titanic, the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the dedication of the Smokey the Bear statue and more.
“They are all front page headlines,” he said of the pages that make up the collector’s edition. “If I couldn’t find something in the International Falls paper, I looked at the paper in Fort Frances. It was a tough job.”
The collection includes an introduction from past Daily Journal Editor Paul Anderson and an epilogue by Mildred Savard of the Koochiching County Historical Museum.
“I think now they would be of some interest to folks in the area for historical interest of both young students and old timers who have curiosity of their local heritage,” Robbins said. “Many of them have ancestors who are mentioned here, plus it is very interesting reading.”
Robbins has about 100 copies of The Bicentennial Journal left and will ship them out as long as supplies last. Anyone interested in purchasing an edition can write Robbins at: 677 G Street Spc. 152, Chula Vista, CA 91910. Robbins asks his customers to include a return address and payment of $16.
