Answer Angel: Preserving old newspapers

Ellen Warren, Tribune News Service on Dec 17, 2024

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Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I just came across a family newspaper clipping of my mom in a high school high-jump competition — in sunglasses and bloomers! I’d never seen the photo, which is priceless.

The newsprint version is already deteriorating. I’d like to frame the shot. How can I preserve it?

--Judith F.

Dear Judith: Newspapers are good for many things (including washing windows). But as a veteran newspaper writer with a basement full of decaying stories that I’ve written then stashed over the decades, I don’t need to consult the National Archives to learn that “newsprint is an inherently unstable paper.”

For your purposes, the Archives’ website (archives.gov) says that photocopying the news clipping is the way to go: “Photocopies will far outlive newsprint when stored under normal conditions.” That’s good advice when the clippings are valued for the information they contain and not as artifacts.

The paper that newspapers are printed on is cheap, made with a high percentage of unpurified wood pulp causing it to turn yellow and crack. To avoid that, ideally you’d need a stable temperature, regulated humidity, and special boxes and tissue paper for storage. The Archives has many more tips on document preservation.

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: Why can’t I find old school sweatpants without those stretchy cuffs that grab your ankle? I don’t think they’re flattering at all. Is there anywhere I can buy straight-leg sweats any more?

Also, where can I get truly warm sweatpants? They’re all so thin! I don’t want to go all the way to my fleece-lined leggings. Way too hot! But I would like decent-looking warm sweat pants with straight legs and no elastic of any kind at the ankle.

--Babs

Dear Babs: I’ll grant you that sweatpants with cuffs, called joggers, have taken over the market and stores are much more likely to have piles of joggers—not straight leg sweats. However, there are still many options for your preferred sweats style.

Gap, Eddie Bauer, Target, L.L. Bean, Walmart, amazon.com and many others all sell straight-leg sweats.

As for the heavy fabric you’re looking for, that’s a tough one! Some manufacturers sell “fleece-lined” sweats that, in reality, are just heavyweight sweats. In other cases they actually are lined with the fuzzy fleece that you find too hot. Life’s too short to keep ordering online versions only to find they’re not what you want and have to be sent back. Even work wear brands like Carhartt and Dickies make it hard to be sure you’re ordering the right thing since there are no national standards (alas).

So, readers, send your recommendations for heavyweight (but not fleece-lined) straight-leg sweats to solve Babs’ Goldilocks dilemma. She’s looking for the Papa version of sweats, not Mama or Baby!

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: At my work, the dress code is extremely flexible (employees wear anything from classic pantsuits and pumps to capris and flip-flops). My fall/winter wardrobe staples consist of A-line skirts (both above and below the knee) and slacks in neutral color (black/grey/camel) teamed with sweater sets. Also, my other usual tops are blouses or turtlenecks with a jacket.

Is above or below the knee hem more appropriate this season?

--j. J

Dear j. J: It sounds like the dress policy at your office is pretty much Wear What You Want. Footwear doesn’t get much more casual than flip-flops. Well, maybe bunny bedroom slippers would be a step too far.

Anyhow, if your only dilemma is what skirt length to chose, it is entirely up to you. Wear what makes you feel best. Meanwhile, I believe we all are well-advised to check our appearance in a full-length mirror—front and back—before leaving the house. I’m surprised at what I see as I walk around downtown. I think some people would be mortified to learn how revealing their rear view is.

Reader Rant

From Linda S.: “Why is it that every pair of lace-up shoes I buy comes with laces two times as long as they should be? I double-bow them and they’re still sweeping the floor? Is it asking too much for the manufacturer to provide the correct length laces? I have had this problem with gym shoes, casual lace-ups and expensive dress shoes with unique laces that are difficult to replace with shorter versions that look good.”