zettes. In some sections the news feature in the tavern was an attraction. At Bridgeton, New Jersey, a written newspaper called The Plain-Dealer was publicly posted at "Matthew Potter's Bar." A notice informed the public that those interested might read the paper by calling at the tavern every Tuesday morning. Frequently, however, the contents of The Plain-Dealer were more like essays than news-items. Issues, however, were not without human interest. One number, for example, discussed "bundling with the girls"; another made a special plea for more patriotism on the part of the Jersey colonies. Whenever a colonial farmer visited a tavern, he always carried the news away—possibly along with other things which he ought not to have had.
America has not been without its spoken newspaper. The clergy of New England frequently related or referred to items of news. The bellman, as he made his rounds, sometimes told other things besides giving the hour and informing the public that all was well. The spoken newspaper probably reached its highest development in the United States in Detroit, Michigan. The Reverend Father Gabriel Richard, a priest of the Order of Sulpice, who first came to that place as resident pastor of the Roman Catholic Church of St. Anne, was its conductor. To arouse the public and awaken an interest in the affairs of the Government, he appointed a town crier who every Sunday at the doors of his church told the public in general and the congregation in particular all the news that was fit to speak. In addition, this public crier mentioned the auction sales and related other advertising announcements. Later, to supplement the spoken newspaper, a written edition was posted at a convenient place near the church. Father Richard was assisted in his news enterprise by Theopolis Meetz, the sacristan of St. Anne's Church, but later, a printer and publisher.
The evolution of journalism in America has been much the same as that in other countries. There have been spoken newspapers, written newspapers, and later printed newspapers. In other words, journalism history has again repeated itself.
