Inventions & Breakthroughs of December 1932
Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
1 
FM Radio Transmission
2 
Wind Tunnel Balance
3 
Automatic Washing Machine
4 
Fluorescent Lighting Principles
5 
Artificial Silk Improvements
6 
Mechanical Calculator Enhancements
7 
Oscilloscope Improvements
8 
Self-Contained Scuba Apparatus Prototype
9 
Infrared Photography
10 
Portable Electric Drill
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON December 5, 1932
Full News Archive
- Headline: Russia's Educational Progress in 1932. Impact: The reduction of illiteracy in Russia led to an unexpected surge in the number of people who could read conspiracy theories, resulting in a generation convinced that the moon landing was staged. Thanks, Dr. Butler!. Fact: Did you know that the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace was also responsible for the phrase 'Let's not read the fine print'?.
- Headline: Dr. Fraser Joins University Church. Impact: Dr. Fraser's move to Baltimore sparked an ongoing debate on whether central Baptist pastors are secretly superheroes. His acceptance of the call sent ripples through the local community, leading to a series of superhero-themed church events.. Fact: Fun fact: The only thing more confusing than church politics is trying to figure out if 'worship' is scheduled at 10 or 11 AM..
- Headline: Man, 62, Beaten in Jersey Hold up.. Impact: The Jersey hold-up incident led to a nationwide trend in gas station robberies, which eventually inspired a beloved sitcom character who hilariously attempted to rob a gas station with a rubber chicken.. Fact: Fun fact: The average age of a gas station robber is 62. Just kidding, but this man's story might inspire a retirement community to rethink their hobbies..
- Headline: BETWEEN FRIENDS.. Impact: The brief conversation between friends sparked a new trend in unfiltered honesty, leading to a wave of awkward encounters and 'friends' unfriending each other on social media.. Fact: Fun fact: The phrase 'between friends' was actually a code for 'I have a secret, but it's not that interesting.'.
- Headline: BOARDS SET UP BY WALKER.; Three Abolished Under Economy Plan Have Been Strongly Attacked.. Impact: Walker’s economy plan became the basis for a new board game called 'Dismantle the Bureaucracy,' which quickly became a hit among frustrated political scientists.. Fact: Did you know that the best way to 'abolish' something in politics is to just keep talking about it? Works like a charm every time!.
Wall Street Time Machine
The Right Call: If you'd invested $1,000 in any one of these companies in 1932, here's what the stored 2025 dataset estimates.
Rank #1
CVX
Chevron
Price in 1932
$0.31
2025 dataset value
$474,914
Chevron - If you invested $1,000 in 1932, it would be worth $474,914 today (474.9x return)
Rank #2
GE
General Electric
Price in 1932
$0.62
2025 dataset value
$487,500
General Electric - If you invested $1,000 in 1932, it would be worth $487,500 today (487.5x return)
🦸 Top 5 Comics
The Funnies #2
$95
Yon Yonson #1
$100
Western Picture Stories #1
$400
Detective Dan: Secret Operative #1
$150
Chic Young’S Dumb Dora #1
$300
🧸 Top 5 Toys
Mickey Mouse Doll
$150.00
Lincoln Logs
$140.00
Tinkertoy
$150.00
Buddy L Steel Trucks
$800.00
Yo-Yo
$1,350.00
⚾ Top 5 Trading Cards
Sonja Henie Ice Skating Card
$250,000
Walter Hagen Golf Card
$10,000
Amos 'N' Andy Parade Stamp Album Card
$250
British & Dominion Film Stars Card
$1,103.30
Famous Ships And How To Build Them - Cut Out Card
$1,300