1. crops the ROI rectangles(box) from historical newspaper
2. get the box's coordinates(ex. name the crops' box as pic1_(x,y)(x,y)....png)
3. arrange the boxes according the coord. from right-upper to left lower
4. get the horizontal @vertical projectile of every boxes.
I have experience in python and image processing, and it's easy for me.. You can contact me if you need my help... I can also show you my previous work which is similar to your task...