Paperboy

Paperboy- A boy who sells or delivers newspapers. The position of paperboy occupies a prominent place in many countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and Japan. This is because it has long been the first paying job available to young teenage boys. Newspaper industry lore suggests that the first paperboy, hired in 1833, was 10-year-old Barney Flaherty.

In the late 1800's, paperboys were often young entrepreneur as well, because "newsboys were not newspaper employees but instead free agents who bought their papers at a discount and were unable to return unsold copies. It made for a very rugged life and a sole means of support for many thousands of homeless children."[1]

Barney Flaherty

It was on September 10, 1833 that 10 year old Barney Flaherty became the first official newspaper carrier. Benjamin Day, who was the publisher of The New York Sun, hired young Barney Flaherty to sell his papers for a penny apiece. It is legend that the only job requirement asked of young Barney was that he had to prove to Mr. Day that he was capable of throwing a newspaper into the bushes with consistency.

Newspaper Carrier Day is celebrated in the United States and honors Barney Flaherty as well as all current newspaper carriers. It is observed on varying dates but marks the anniversary of Flaherty's hiring at New York Sun.