Doctor Blacklow, a former chief of staff with The Daily Advertiser, showcased soldiers' letters printed by Riverina newspapers during World War I at a weekend exhibition.

She hailed the purity of history the letters represent.

"Some of these letters are very, very personal," Dr Blacklow said.

The curation of letters, which coincide with the He Belonged to Wagga exhibition, are part of the social documentation of the city's military contribution between 1914 and 1919.

They tell stories of a sense of adventure, relief at surviving a battle, pride in achievements and a growing sadness as the war continued.

Dr Blacklow said the publishing of soldiers' letters was representative of the "closeness" between Riverina newspapers and their communities.

"In those days, there was no media, it was just press," she said.

"There was no radio until the 30s and television was not till the 60s - newspapers were the sole source for news."

It is through six district newspapers that the Riverina became aware of the start and end of WWI.

On November 11, 1918, having learned of the armistice, The Daily Advertiser rushed a special edition to print.

Dr Blacklow said it was through the Advertiser's connection with newswire service Reuters that international news arrived home.

But, she said, it was the personal accounts published via letters that provided a closer, more emotional connection to the war effort.

"The letters just give this lovely picture," she said.

"The soldiers are in their own voices, which is quite wonderful."