OCTOBER 17, 1938

Full News Archive

• Headline: Italy's 1938 Anti-Fascist Crackdown. Impact: The arrests of Jews in Italy for being anti-Fascist led to a massive underground movement that would eventually inspire the formation of secret societies dedicated to ensuring that people could wear their hats indoors without fear of repercussion. A bizarre legacy, indeed.. Fact: Did you know that this event is often cited as a pivotal moment in the history of anti-Fascism? Because nothing says 'freedom' like being arrested for opposing tyranny..
• Headline: Catholic Attendance at Mass Under Scrutiny. Impact: The chiding of Catholics for skipping Mass sparked a global trend of people finding increasingly creative excuses to avoid obligations. This eventually led to the invention of the 'I-have-a-cold' excuse, which has now been used in every generation.. Fact: Fun fact: The top excuse used by late attendees was 'traffic,' because who doesn’t love a good 'my car broke down' story at church?.
• Headline: 1938 Hospital List Release Announcement. Impact: The issuance of the hospital list in 1938 marked the rise of organized healthcare, which eventually led to the invention of hospital gowns that are designed to make you feel like a million bucks—if by 'million bucks' you mean 'exposed and vulnerable.'. Fact: Did you know that nearly 2,700 institutions were approved? That's a lot of places to wait in awkward silence while wearing a paper gown!.
• Headline: I. W. HEAPS. Impact: I. W. Heaps, while seemingly unremarkable, inspired a cult of people who believed that naming oneself with a single letter was the key to unlocking their true potential. Spoiler alert: it wasn't.. Fact: Did you know that after I. W. Heaps, many followed suit? But let's just say that J. Q. Z. never quite made it big..
• Headline: HARRY SHAW. Impact: Harry Shaw's brief mention in the news mysteriously led to a series of unfortunate events involving other Harrys, eventually resulting in a sitcom that captured the hearts of millions. Who knew one name could be so influential?. Fact: Did you know that 'Harry' has been a popular name throughout history? It's like the 'John' of the 1930s—good luck finding one without a story!.
• Headline: KISS BERTHA N. HOLT WED IN CHURCH HERE; Newton Highlands, Mass., Girl Bride of Albert T. K. Warner. Impact: Kiss Bertha N. Holt's wedding to Albert T. K. Warner inadvertently set the foundation for future wedding crashers everywhere to develop their own sets of rules for snatching the last piece of cake.. Fact: Did you know that wedding crashers have existed since the dawn of time? The only difference is now they have social media to broadcast their mischief!.
• Headline: Professional Football Results; NATIONAL LEAGUE AMERICAN LEAGUE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION EXHIBITION GAMES. Impact: The professional football results headline led to the rise of sports betting, which has contributed to more family dinners being awkwardly interrupted by 'I swear it was just one more quarter!' discussions.. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'just one more quarter' was first used in the late 1930s? Coincidence? I think not!.
• Headline: Sets Libel Status of Film Stars. Impact: The court's ruling on film stars' libel status opened the floodgates for celebrities to sue over everything from bad reviews to unflattering selfies. The ripple effect? A world obsessed with image management.. Fact: Fun fact: This ruling helped pave the way for modern-day celebrity feuds—because why settle things over coffee when you can do it in a court of law?.
• Headline: ANNE RICE A BRIDE; Scarsdale Girl Married to Ralph G. Peterson of Cos Cob. Impact: Anne Rice's marriage to Ralph G. Peterson sparked a literary romance renaissance, leading to the rise of vampire novels that would forever change the genre. Thanks, lovebirds, for the bloodsucking drama!. Fact: Did you know that Anne Rice's wedding was so enchanting it inspired countless authors to write about love—mostly of the undead variety?.