DailyTimeCapsule brief
January 7, 1938
On January 7, 1938, E. J. Cattell, a prominent public speaker, novelist, and city statistician, passed away in Philadelphia. Cattell was known for his remarkable oratory skills, having delivered approximately 40,000 speeches throughout his lifetime. His influence in the public speaking arena was recognized when he received the honorary degree of Doctor of Oratory after an impressive feat of delivering fourteen speeches in a single day. While the literary world was buzzing about the contrasting views on the role of poets, with figures like Colum and Auslander debating their significance amidst a chaotic world, another serious concern loomed in the background. The U.S. Navy was actively searching for a missing bomber and its crew of seven off the coast of San Diego, highlighting the ongoing military tensions as the world edged closer to global conflict. The juxtaposition of Cattell’s celebrated life and the somber news of military concerns reflected the multifaceted nature of society during this period, as America navigated the complexities of both artistic expression and national security.
Key developments
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E. J. Cattell, a renowned public speaker and novelist, passed away in Philadelphia on January 7, 1938. He is celebrated for delivering an astonishing 40,000 speeches throughout his career, earning him the honorary degree of Doctor of Oratory. Cattell's contributions extended beyond speaking, as he also wrote various novels and articles, impacting both literature and public discourse.
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On January 7, 1938, a luncheon was held to discuss the contrasting views of poets' roles during turbulent times. Writer Donal Colum argued that a chaotic world detracts from artistic expression. In contrast, poet Charles Auslander claimed that adversity serves as a catalyst for creativity, prompting him to write a new verse advocating for a sanctuary amid brutality.
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On January 7, 1938, a Navy bomber went missing off the coast of California with a crew of seven on board. The U.S. Navy deployed several warships to search the area in hopes of finding wreckage or survivors. The incident highlighted ongoing concerns about the safety of military aviation during this era.
