I’ve never heard an “extra” being called like that. I’d say they probably disappeared in the late 50s if not before.
When I moved to S. Europe and began teaching English as a second language, many of my adult students asked me what kept people from stealing the whole stack of newspapers from the dispenser-machines they saw in American movies, where you drop the coins in the slot, open the box and take one. My response was, “What would you want with more than one copy of the same paper?” It certainly showed the difference in mentality—and the change in the way newspapers were sold. By that time, in the US, newsboys selling on the street to passing customers had gone the way of “Hello, Central!” and shoe-shine stands.
In the Twin Cities there are two daily papers, The Minneapolis Star-Tribune, and the St. Paul Pioneer Press. In the recent past, two different carriers would visit some neighborhoods delivering their respective paper. Now, with circulation way down for both papers, a single person (adult) delivers both papers.
Unfortunately, I think “paper” papers are gradually becoming as obsolete as rotary dial telephones…
Templo S.U.D. over 8 years ago
How long has it been since there were newspaper boys like that?
orinoco womble over 8 years ago
I’ve never heard an “extra” being called like that. I’d say they probably disappeared in the late 50s if not before.
When I moved to S. Europe and began teaching English as a second language, many of my adult students asked me what kept people from stealing the whole stack of newspapers from the dispenser-machines they saw in American movies, where you drop the coins in the slot, open the box and take one. My response was, “What would you want with more than one copy of the same paper?” It certainly showed the difference in mentality—and the change in the way newspapers were sold. By that time, in the US, newsboys selling on the street to passing customers had gone the way of “Hello, Central!” and shoe-shine stands.
mjb515 over 8 years ago
Where are there paperboys now, period?
chidecki Premium Member over 8 years ago
My papers are delivered by a guy in a beat up van. Dude looks to be in his fifties, probably working a second or third job.
steverinoCT over 8 years ago
In Florida, I have seen folks selling the Sunday papers at intersections. Philadelphia, too, come to think of it.
Darryl Heine over 8 years ago
At least Charlie Brown isn’t faking a news story about last week’s Paris tragic events.
tripwire45 over 8 years ago
Wow. Thanks for that short trip into the past. It was wonderful.
neverenoughgold over 8 years ago
In the Twin Cities there are two daily papers, The Minneapolis Star-Tribune, and the St. Paul Pioneer Press. In the recent past, two different carriers would visit some neighborhoods delivering their respective paper. Now, with circulation way down for both papers, a single person (adult) delivers both papers.
Unfortunately, I think “paper” papers are gradually becoming as obsolete as rotary dial telephones…