Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON August 4, 1934
Full News Archive
- Headline: Barter System Fills Atlantic City Theatre. Impact: This barter plan inadvertently inspired a future generation of hipsters who started trading artisanal bread for vintage vinyl records, leading to an underground economy that reshaped local commerce. Thanks, 'Drunkard'!. Fact: Did you know that if you trade enough toy tickets, you can actually get a free drink? Just kiddingβunless you can convince someone that your toy theatre is a pop-up bar..
- Headline: Frances Wright's Engagement Announcement. Impact: This engagement sparked a long line of underwhelming Princeton alumni reunions, where every story about 'the one that got away' began with, 'Remember Frances?'.. Fact: Fun fact: Engagement announcements were the original social media posts. Can we get a hashtag for this couple, please? #EngagedToAlbert.
- Headline: Haldane Critiques Nazi Racial Theories. Impact: Haldane's bold statements set off a chain reaction of scientific thought that ultimately led to the creation of the first truly inclusive 'Dungeons & Dragons' character creation guide. Roll for diversity!. Fact: Haldane's views were so ahead of their time that he probably would have been unfollowed by some of today's more racially-challenged social media influencers..
- Headline: Shingle Makers Organize.. Impact: The organization of shingle makers sparked a nationwide interest in home improvement, leading to a boom in DIY shows. Thanks to them, we now have more 'fixer-upper' disasters than ever.. Fact: Who knew that shingle making could lead to a revolution in home aesthetics? Next stop: Shingle fashion week..
- Headline: Notables at Blacklock Funeral.. Impact: The gathering of notables marked a turning point in funeral etiquette, inspiring a trend where the deceased are celebrated more than mourned, leading to the birth of the 'celebration of life' parties.. Fact: Funerals used to be decidedly less fashionable. Now, it's practically a requirement to have an Instagram-worthy send-off..
- Headline: WOMAN SUES FOR MILLION.; Miss Marjorie E. Murray Seeks Share of W.J.M. Donovan Estate.. Impact: This lawsuit paved the way for countless reality TV shows about wealthy families fighting over estates, forever changing the landscape of entertainment and inheritance disputes.. Fact: The million-dollar question: How much of that estate goes to legal fees? Spoiler alert: A lot..
- Headline: STONE & WEBSTER NET IS $4,908,372; Income for 12 Months to June 30 Compares With $7,428,771 for Previous Period. DIVIDENDS ARE $6,867,741 Gross Revenues Were $47,989,560 Against $48,830,842 -- Other Utility Reports.. Impact: This financial report led to a wave of accountants choosing their careers based on the thrill of numbers, ultimately resulting in many regrettable choices for future generations who now think Excel is fun.. Fact: In the world of accounting, 'net income' is just a fancy way of saying 'not as much as last year, but weβll spin it positively!'.
- Headline: LOSSES IN TVA DEAL FACE SHARE OWNERS; Holders of Preferred Stock in Tennessee Public Service to Get $35 to $40.. Impact: The fallout from this deal led to a popular belief that investing in shares was akin to playing the lottery, which, let's face it, it kind of is. Welcome to the world of financial thrill-seeking!. Fact: Did you know that every time someone loses money in stocks, a financial advisor somewhere gets their wings? Just kidding, they probably just get a new client..
- Headline: MI$$ LWREblfE BECOMES A BRIDE; Married to Ciiaorge H. Fitch at Douglaston -- ordelia Ciurnea Is Maid of Honor. BOTH OF OLD FAMILIES Descendants of Ea!y Settlers ef Long Island and New England Governors.. Impact: This marriage sparked an unending series of family reunions, each one more awkward than the last, ultimately leading to a long lineage of people who can't decide who gets the family heirloom.. Fact: In case you were wondering, spelling mistakes in wedding announcements are a long-standing tradition. They say itβs a sign of true love... or just really terrible proofreading..
- Headline: TWO LINES ADOPT P.R.R. PENSION PLAN; Norfolk & Western and Seaboard Air Line Will Deduct Part of Pay of Employes.. Impact: This pension plan adoption set a precedent that made employees question their life choices for decades, leading to countless coffee breaks filled with existential dread.. Fact: Fun fact: Employees have been complaining about pension plans since the dawn of time. It's practically a rite of passage in the workforce..
Wall Street Time Machine
KMB
Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark - If you invested $1,000 in 1934, it would be worth $147,887 today (147.9x return)
IBM
IBM
IBM - If you invested $1,000 in 1934, it would be worth $205,272 today (205.3x return)