Leafing through the pages of historic newspapers and periodicals reveals a long-standing fascination with the colors of fall. Newspapers in particular have a deep-rooted tradition of keeping readers informed about the changing seasons by providing updates on the spread and predicted peak of fall colors. Long before the dawn of television and social media, the newspaper was the primary source of information on where and when to view autumn foliage at its best. A quick search for “autumn leaves” in Chronicling America retrieves over 45,000 historic newspaper mentions-a testament to our enduring appreciation of fall.
The evolution of transportation significantly expanded opportunities for people to experience peak autumn foliage—whether on foot, by bicycle, aboard a train, in the family car, or traveling with others by motorcoach. Beginning in the 19th century, many railroads advertised foliage excursions or tours by train in newspapers across the nation. Local tourism departments also used newspapers to promote their autumnal activities, from foliage festivals to square dances. Hotels and campgrounds, in particular, have been sucessful at drawing crowds to witness those rare days, “…when the landscape filled with flaming scarlet and gold, mellows browns and greens” (Evening Star, Washington, D.C., September 10, 1939). In the 1800s, this tradition was known as “leaf hunting,” a term that evolved into “foliage tours” and eventually “leaf tourism.” By the mid-20th century, the now-familiar phrase “leaf-peeping” had firmly taken root.
Before you head out leaf-hunting, make sure you’re dressed appropriately for the season…and that includes your pets! Drawing inspiration from autumn’s rich palette, newspapers and periodicals began to dedicate special issues exclusively to fall fashion for the entire family. An 1896 article described the increasing trend among wealthy women to also clothe their darling dogs in coats that match their own. Not to be outdressed, the men of this era were also, “…togging out their favorite canines in coats to match their liveries and carriage robes.” We may never know the exact origin of dogs wearing seasonal clothing, but luckily newspapers and periodicals documented how it became an international trend.
If you’re curious about how different cultures have celebrated autumn throughout time, Chronicling America offers a bird’s-eye view, providing access to historic U.S. newspapers published in 32 different languages — a testament to the nation’s rich multilingual heritage. I was delighted to find dozens of autumn-inspired poems, recipes, and illustrations — in Spanish (otoño), German (herbst), French (automne), Japanese (momijigari) and more! Whether you’re planning your next leaf-hunting road trip or just want to explore the rich stories and traditions of autumn from years past, historic newspapers offer a vibrant window into the season’s charm.