JANUARY 29, 1937

Full News Archive

• Headline: Seamen Accept Inquiry into Union Practices. Impact: The seamen's inquiry led to a series of labor unions becoming overzealous in their transparency efforts, resulting in the creation of the world's first union 'Truth or Dare' tournament. Spoiler alert: no one won.. Fact: Did you know that unions were once thought of as the 'mysterious cabals' of the working class? It's almost like they were just trying to get paid fairly or something!.
• Headline: WPA Worker Sentenced for Arson. Impact: The arsonist's conviction sent shockwaves through the WPA, leading to the immediate implementation of fire safety training. Unfortunately, this also led to the invention of the 'fire drill' which everyone pretended to enjoy.. Fact: Fun fact: 4 years for arson means this guy better become best friends with a fire extinguisher. Talk about a hot new friendship!.
• Headline: Indians Receive Salt Distribution in Syracuse. Impact: The distribution of salt created a demand for seasoning that would ultimately lead to the proliferation of gourmet cooking shows. Who knew salt could be such a flavor influencer?. Fact: Did you know that salt has been a precious commodity for centuries? Now it’s just a daily reminder that you might need to cut back on those fries..
• Headline: REV. RICHARD F. CARR; Minister of Friends Church of Chappaqua Last 40 Years. Impact: Rev. Carr's long tenure in the Friends Church inspired a new trend of ministers seeking to break world records for the longest sermons. Spoiler: they all lost their audiences.. Fact: Did you know that the average sermon length is about 20 minutes? Rev. Carr probably thought he could give the Energizer Bunny a run for his money!.
• Headline: DR. CHARLES WEBER DIES; Cincinnati Cancer Specialist Victim of Gas From Defective Furnace. Impact: Dr. Weber's tragic passing from a defective furnace led to a nationwide investigation into home safety, but it also sparked the invention of the 'fire safety' sitcom, where the real jokes were on the viewers.. Fact: It's ironic that a cancer specialist fell victim to a furnace mishap. It seems even the universe has a dark sense of humor..
• Headline: OHIO VALLEY GAINS IN WIRE SERVICES; Phone and Telegraph Companies Report Steady Progress in Flood Zone Repairs. Impact: The Ohio Valley's flood recovery sparked a nationwide trend in disaster preparedness, leading to a popular reality show where contestants had to survive in flooded basements—because who doesn’t love wet socks?. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'making a splash' became a thing after this? Some take it literally, it seems..
• Headline: SEES RECORD AS LANDLORD; PWA Lost Only $11.35 in Rent on Boulevard Gardens in 1936. Impact: The PWA's minimal loss in rent led to an entire generation of landlords believing they were financial wizards, igniting the 'landlord confidence crisis' of the late '30s. Spoiler: it did not end well.. Fact: Ever wonder how to lose $11.35 in rent? Just ask the PWA; they practically wrote the book on it!.
• Headline: Stock Distribution Planned. Impact: The stock distribution plan led to a wild 'share swapping' craze where people began trading everything from vintage lunchboxes to garden gnomes as a form of currency. Gnome values skyrocketed!. Fact: Did you know that Oldetyme Distillers Corp stock was so sought after, it was rumored to have magical properties? Or maybe that was just the distilling process..
• Headline: WIDE FLOOD RELIEF IS UNDER WAY HERE; Salvation Army Sends Out 4 Trucks After Collecting $8,275 Funds. Impact: The Salvation Army's flood relief efforts inspired a highly competitive charity event known as 'The Great Truck Race,' where organizations raced to deliver aid faster than their competitors. Spoiler: everyone was a winner.. Fact: $8,275 in 1936 could buy you a small mansion! Or, you know, just a whole lot of sandwiches for the flood victims..
• Headline: ELEANOR DOTY WED TO G. B. CUMMING; Ceremony Is Performed by Bishop John T. Dallas of New Hampshire. Impact: Eleanor Doty's wedding led to a surge in DIY weddings, with Pinterest boards exploding in popularity decades later. Thanks, Eleanor, for everyone's obsession with lace and twinkle lights!. Fact: Did you know that weddings have become so elaborate that some people forget to invite the groom? Just kidding, but it’s getting close!.