MAY 26, 1931

Full News Archive

• Headline: Holdcroft Jailed for Weapon Possession. Impact: Holdcroft's sentencing set off a chain reaction where his cousin, who had planned to rob a bank with him, found a new career as a motivational speaker instead. 'Crime Pays' became a self-help book title. Spoiler: it doesn't.. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'to do time' originated from trying to figure out how long it would take to finish a Netflix series while in prison?.
• Headline: Nassau Rejects Oyster Bay Park Proposal. Impact: This rejection led to a series of unfortunate park designs, including one shaped like a giant potato, which ironically became a favorite among local children. 'We just wanted a slide, not mashed potatoes!'. Fact: Fun fact: $30,000 in the 1920s could buy a small island... or a very fancy park bench. Guess which they chose?.
• Headline: General Justo's Presidential Bid in 1931. Impact: General Justo's candidacy inadvertently inspired a future generation of politicians to run solely on the platform of promising free empanadas. Who knew food could be such a vote winner?. Fact: The term 'Radical Party' sounds exciting, but it merely referred to their radical stance on not letting anyone have dessert before dinner..
• Headline: Girl Scout Leaders' School Opens.. Impact: The opening of this school eventually led to a worldwide cookie war, resulting in the invention of the secret recipe that still sparks debates among cookie connoisseurs today. Because who wouldn't want to fight over Thin Mints?. Fact: Did you know that being a Girl Scout is basically a free pass to sell cookies and avoid real work? That's some serious life skill training right there..
• Headline: URGE LOW BRIDGE TOLLS.; Civic Groups Seek Port Authority Aid on Bayonne-Staten Island Span.. Impact: The push for low tolls led to the construction of 'Toll Booth Etiquette' signs, which ironically became the most ignored signs in history, rivaling 'Do Not Enter' signs.. Fact: If you stacked all the coins collected from tolls, you could probably reach the moon... or just buy a really nice bridge..
• Headline: WOMAN GETS DEGREE AT COLGATE-ROCHESTER; Thirty-three Other Divinity Students Are Graduated--Italian Department Dropped.. Impact: The dropping of the Italian Department resulted in a sudden shortage of pizza makers, leading to a worldwide crisis in 1950. Pizza delivery was never the same again.. Fact: Getting a divinity degree means you're one step closer to being a saint... or at least an excellent dinner guest who can bless the food..
• Headline: Nashville Air Mail Extended.. Impact: The extension of air mail led to the rise of the first 'air mail hugs' – a sentimental delivery method that never really caught on but sounded great on paper.. Fact: Air mail was once considered a luxury, much like ordering guacamole at Chipotle – both come with extra charges and questionable life choices..
• Headline: 9,000 SEEK NEWS STANDS.; Geraghty Says Veterans Will Be Favored on 8th Av. Subway.. Impact: This massive application wave led to the creation of the 'Stand Up Comedy' genre, as would-be newsstand operators realized their true talent was in making people laugh instead of selling papers.. Fact: 9,000 applicants means if you lined them up, they could create a very long human chain... or just a really awkward line for the bathroom..
• Headline: Heads Marymount Alumnae.. Impact: The annual meeting led to the first-ever alumnae secret society, which ultimately resulted in a 'Girls Only' club that still meets to discuss the best way to avoid dating advice.. Fact: Did you know that alumnae meetings are basically just high school reunions with less drama and more cake? Everyone loves cake..