A Brief History
The Tiny Tattler, "Canada's Smallest Newspaper" (originally it was 4" x 6" and was later expanded to 5½" x 8"), was founded by the late Ivan A Shortliffe in Central Grove, Digby County, Nova Scotia, Canada. Its first issue appeared February 1, 1933 and was published until 1943.
By the time of it's last run July 1, 1943, the paper, the Tattler had become infamous for it's youthful perspective among it's readers. It was widely circulated throughout Digby County and it's readership, an estimated 5 000 and up substantially from the original 18, spanned the globe with copies distributed in the southern United States, Europe and South Africa.
Death Threats
Throughout it's run, the Tattler covered events in Digby County, and later world events, "without fear or favor". At one point, the two teenage friends behind the paper, Ivan Shortliffe and Rupert Cann, received death threats after the publication of a story exposing a rum-running operation.
Tiny Tattler - The Movie
The Tattler was the smallest newspaper in the world to receive government recognition and accepted as second class mail, meaning that it could be sent free of postage within a 40 mile radius. A movie was even made in 1937 about the Tiny Tattler and was shown throughout the British Empire, including a special screening for King George VI and Queen (Mother) Elizabeth.
Post Tattler
Rupert Cann went on to settle in Texas and had long career as a hospital administrator.
Ivan Shortliffe continued in the newspaper industry after the final Tattler "went to bed". He had a respected career with the Canadian Press and the Halifax Herald until his death in 1976. This site is dedicated to his memory.
Special thanks to Margaret Shortliffe for providing information about Ivan and the Tattler that was essential in getting this site off the ground.
