The year 1831 began a new source of early information on Cobourg with the establishment of the Cobourg Star newspaper. Its first issue appeared January 11, 1831.

That first newspaper gives us an idea of what businesses were advertising their services. Benjamin Throop advertised rye and corn from the U.S. He also announced that his distillery has been enlarged and he sells superior whiskey. He will also buy potash and wheat. Ebenezer Perry and Douglas Campbell advertise to buy lumber for the harbour construction. Dr. John Gilchrist asks that his accounts be paid. William Draper is an attorney at law, T.W. Cleghorn is the proprietor of the Cobourg Hotel, horses are changed at the hotel for the York to Kingston stage coach. F.S.Clench advertises his cabinet and upholstery shop.