FEBRUARY 1, 1932

Full News Archive

• Headline: Auto Industry Declines in 1931. Impact: This automotive slump led to a significant increase in bicycle sales. Little did they know, this would spark an obsession with cycling that would eventually lead to the Lycra fashion disaster of the 1980s.. Fact: In 1931, people were probably more excited about their new Ford Model A... until they realized it was still stuck in 1929..
• Headline: Einstein's Visit to Rosenwald Service. Impact: Einstein’s presence at the Rosenwald Service sparked an interest in science and philanthropy, eventually leading to countless failed school science fairs and a generation convinced they could invent the next big thing in their garage.. Fact: Einstein was once late to a lecture because he couldn't find his socks. Time travel couldn't help him with fashion choices..
• Headline: Bridge to Aid Children's Scholarship Fund. Impact: These bridge parties not only funded scholarships but also led to an overwhelming number of bad puns about 'bridging the gap' in education. Thanks for that.. Fact: Bridge parties were basically the 1930s version of Tinder – minus the swiping and with a lot more awkward small talk..
• Headline: j PinneyuShelmerdine.. Impact: This engagement, while seemingly mundane, would lead to a family feud over who really picked the wedding cake flavor, influencing future generations’ dessert choices.. Fact: Engagements in 1931 were more about practicality than romance. 'I promise to share my rationed sugar with you!'.
• Headline: HOOVER AND CABINET ACT; Eight Warships, Infantry and Marines Speeded From Manila. NEW PROTEST TO JAPAN Nanking Decides Not to Declare War, but to Continue Her Resistance to Invasion. BRITAIN SENDS MORE SHIPS French Foreign Office Gives Assurance of Cooperation With Other Powers. Great Powers Rush Forces to Protect Their Interests at Shanghai. Impact: Hoover's cabinet's frantic military movements would set a precedent for future governments to overreact to international tensions. Spoiler alert: it didn’t work out well.. Fact: This was just another Tuesday for Hoover, who was still trying to figure out how to fix the Great Depression with a stern look..
• Headline: STEAL $60,000 GOLD IN ATTLEBORO PLANT; Six Masked Burglars Work Two Hours in Jewelry Factory, Assaying Loot With Acid. WATCHMAN HAD BEEN BOUND One of the Band Guards Him While Others Pack Wire, Plate and Bullion Into Autos.. Impact: The heist would inspire a series of heist films decades later, where thieves would charm audiences instead of terrifying watchmen. Who knew crime could be such a crowd-pleaser?. Fact: The burglars probably thought they were in an Ocean’s movie, but let’s be real: they were more like the 'Ocean's whoops, we tripped over our own feet.'.
• Headline: SELECTION OF JUDGES.; A Method Proposed Which Would Not Involve Amendment of the State Constitution.. Impact: This proposal for selecting judges without a constitutional amendment was the beginning of a long tradition of trying to change the rules without changing the rules. Classic!. Fact: Selecting judges without a proper process is like trying to bake a cake without a recipe: messy, questionable, and often leads to regret..
• Headline: AGREEMENT ON RAIL LABOR.; Provisions for Employment Are Made in Wage-Cut Pact.. Impact: This wage-cut pact would eventually become a case study in how to make workers feel appreciated by just cutting their pay. A real masterclass in reverse psychology.. Fact: Railroad workers in the 1930s had a motto: 'We’ll take what we can get, as long as it’s not a pay cut!' Oh wait….
• Headline: AN IMPORTANT OMISSION.; Dropping of Lord Cecil as Arms Delegate Seen as Great Loss.. Impact: Dropping a key figure like Lord Cecil from the arms delegation led to a domino effect of missed opportunities for international cooperation, ultimately resulting in a lot of unnecessary meetings and a few awkward apologies.. Fact: Lord Cecil's absence was probably felt like a party without a DJ – just a lot of people standing around, shuffling their feet..
• Headline: WAGNER WILL MOVE REPEAL OF DRY LAW; Despite Failure of the Bingham Measure, New York Senator Will Offer Resolution Today.. Impact: Wagner's resolution for the repeal of the dry law set off a chain reaction that would lead to speakeasies, jazz music, and a slight uptick in bad dance moves across the nation.. Fact: Repealing the dry law was like finally allowing kids in a candy store after years of strict diets. Chaos ensued!.