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 February 3, 1938
Full News Archive
- Headline: Selznick Signs Goddard for Film Role. Impact: If Goddard had played Scarlett O'Hara, the South would have been convinced that Gone with the Wind was an actual documentary, leading to a resurgence of Southern hospitality and a nationwide obsession with mint juleps.. Fact: Did you know that this contract signing probably caused at least three people to dramatically swoon at the thought of Miss Goddard in a hoop skirt? Cinema fans can be very passionate..
- Headline: Steel Mill Workers Back on the Job. Impact: This moment sparked a chain reaction leading to the invention of safety helmets, which eventually inspired the creation of 'hard hat chic'βa fashion trend that left everyone wondering if they were at a construction site or a runway.. Fact: Did you know that returning to work in a steel mill is the 1930s equivalent of logging into your Zoom meeting with pajama pants? Productivity at its finest!.
- Headline: 275 CONCERNS DELAY $155,000,000 BUILDING; Profits Tax Called Cause by 72%, Doubts Put Second in Survey by Ferguson Co.. Impact: This delay in construction caused a nationwide boom in procrastination, leading to a generational aversion to deadlines that is still evident in today's work-from-home culture.. Fact: Did you know that this is basically the 1930s version of 'Sorry, I was busy binge-watching a series'? The excuses are timeless!.
- Headline: Commons Gets Petition By 804,000 Housewives. Impact: This massive petition led to the creation of the first-ever 'Housewives Union', which eventually inspired reality TV shows that glorify chaotic home life, leading to today's obsessions with cooking competitions.. Fact: Did you know that if all 804,000 housewives had gathered together, they could have formed a small country? The first law? Mandatory coffee breaks..
- Headline: LUNACY BOARD COSTS EXCEED ALLOW ANCES; Go Over Budget Allotments in Three Counties in City for Last Three Years. Impact: The overspending on lunacy boards led to the invention of budget meetings, which have since become known as the 'original horror show' in corporate America.. Fact: Fun fact: Budget overruns are the adult version of 'I swear I had enough money for that candy bar.'.
- Headline: Endicott-Johnson Cuts Pay 20%. Impact: This pay cut sparked a nationwide trend of workers humorously complaining about 'living on ramen noodles', making it a staple for college students and broke millennials for decades to come.. Fact: Did you know that a 20% pay cut is basically the universe's way of saying, 'It's time to reconsider your life choices'?.
- Headline: DENIES BACKING PENSIONS; Disabled Veterans Leader Says Body Has Not Endorsed Billl. Impact: This denial marked a pivotal moment in veterans' advocacy, leading to the eventual establishment of numerous support organizations and an ongoing conversation about veteran care that is still relevant today.. Fact: The fight for veterans' rights is like the longest game of tug-of-warβeveryone's pulling for something, but no one can seem to let go..
- Headline: PENNROAD REPORTS CALLED ARTIFICIAL; Senator Wheeler Finds Heavy Security Losses Not Charged Against Capital Surplus. Impact: This revelation led to the birth of a thousand conspiracy theories about financial transparency, inspiring a generation of amateur accountants to start their own YouTube channels to 'expose' corporate shenanigans.. Fact: Did you know that financial reports can be more dramatic than soap operas? Tune in next week for 'As the Balance Sheet Turns'!.
Wall Street Time Machine
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1938, it would be worth $3,433,940 today (3433.9x return)
PG
Procter & Gamble
Procter & Gamble - If you invested $1,000 in 1938, it would be worth $586,656 today (586.7x return)
CVX
Chevron
Chevron - If you invested $1,000 in 1938, it would be worth $474,914 today (474.9x return)