SEPTEMBER 3, 1938

Full News Archive

• Headline: Frederick J. Steger's Historical Moment. Impact: The mere mention of Frederick J. Steger in history caused a ripple effect that led to a sudden increase in the popularity of people with the initials F.J. in local trivia contests. This phenomenon is still debated in academic circles as 'The Steger Effect'. Fact: Did you know that if you say 'Frederick J. Steger' three times in front of a mirror, you summon a moderately interesting fact about 19th-century fashion?.
• Headline: FALL PARIS STYLES IN PREVIEW HERE; One-Piece Tailored Dress With Matching Jacket FavoredSome in 4 Pieces Shown CAPE HAS MILITARY NOTE Stripes and Plaids Are Used in Many Models-Firewagon Red Seen in Ensemble. Impact: The preview of fall Paris styles in this headline caused a chain reaction in fashion trends, leading to the rise of 'business casual'—a look that would confuse office workers for decades. Fact: Did you know that 'Firewagon Red' was originally a color used in the 1920s to describe the urgency of bad fashion choices?.
• Headline: Divorces Irving I. Ingraham. Impact: Irving I. Ingraham's divorce set off a wave of divorces among couples who realized they were just as incompatible as the names 'Irving' and 'Ingraham'. Fact: Did you know that divorce lawyers in the 1930s were known as 'marital consultants'? Sounds way more professional, right?.
• Headline: Aquarium Societies to Exhibit. Impact: The exhibit of aquarium societies marked the beginning of the 'Fish Fad' of the late 1930s, leading to a massive increase in 'fishy' puns in local newspapers. Fact: Did you know that the first aquarium exhibit was actually just a bathtub with a goldfish? It was a hit until someone realized it wasn’t a very sustainable practice.
• Headline: COLUMBIA PICTURES EARNED $183,393; Income Equals $2.44 a Share on 75,000 No Par Shares of Preferred Stock PROFIT IN 1937 $1,317,771 This Was Equivalent to $3.26 a Common Share--Other Companies Report OTHER CORPORATE REPORTS. Impact: Columbia Pictures' financial success inspired a generation of filmmakers to believe they could make it big, leading to the rise of countless independent films that no one ever saw. Fact: Did you know that $183,393 in 1937 would be approximately the same as the budget for a modern-day indie film with ten people in it and one location?.
• Headline: MRS. EDWIN L. MERRITT. Impact: Sadie T. Merritt's life became a case study for historians interested in the roles of women in the early 1900s, leading to a series of very serious yet slightly boring documentaries. Fact: Did you know that 'Merritt' was a common last name for people who were just trying to make it through life without too much drama?.
• Headline: Charlotte Wynters Divorced. Impact: Charlotte Wynters' divorce led to the establishment of 'Wynters Rights', a term used to describe the right to a decent cup of coffee during a divorce settlement negotiation. Fact: Did you know that the word 'divorce' comes from the Latin 'divortere', which literally means to 'turn away'? Perfect for when you realize you married someone named 'Wynters'.
• Headline: JAMES G. PEEDE, 51, STAGE PRESS MAN; Advance Agent for Many Big Shows Including Shubert Successes Dies Here ALSO REPRESENTED STARS Handled Tours for Mrs. Fiske, Arliss and Faversham-Once Edited a Trade Paper. Impact: The death of James G. Peede sent shockwaves through the stage press industry, prompting a nationwide moment of silence—which was quickly interrupted by the next big Broadway hit. Fact: Did you know that James G. Peede once tried to start a blog about stage press but gave up because he couldn't find the right platform? Some say he was ahead of his time!.