Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
HEADLINES ON February 10, 1939
Full News Archive
- Headline: Jersey High Court Reviews Speech Case. Impact: If only Thomas had just stayed home that day, the entire socialist movement might have turned into a knitting club instead. Who knew open-air speech could lead to the birth of a thousand awkward protests?. Fact: Did you know that back in the day, public speaking often required a permit? Because God forbid someone express an idea without first asking for government approval!.
- Headline: Tragic Death of Mrs. C.A. Morse. Impact: The tragic loss of Mrs. C.A. Morse sent shockwaves through the Colt family, leading to a decline in firearm sales for a brief period, proving that even guns can't fix everything. A somber moment that echoes through the ages.. Fact: In 2023, there are more support groups for gun owners than there are for those struggling with mental health. A sad irony, isn't it?.
- Headline: New Extortion Charges in Earle Investigation. Impact: The Earle Grand Jury's charges opened a Pandora's box of corruption that would inspire every future scandal, making extortion the new normal. Thank you, 1930s, for paving the way for every politician who ever said, 'I swear it’s for the greater good!'. Fact: Fun fact: Extortion is still illegal, but if you do it with a smile, politicians might just call it 'campaign financing'..
- Headline: HEADS ENGINEERS' SOCIETY; F.M. Farmer Elected President of Electrical Institute. Impact: F.M. Farmer's election was the catalyst for the most thrilling decade in engineering history. I mean, who wouldn't want to follow a guy named 'Farmer' into the electrifying world of engineering?. Fact: Did you know that engineers have a secret language? It involves a lot of math and the occasional eye roll when someone suggests using duct tape..
- Headline: WATER-COLOR ART PUT ON EXHIBITION; American Society and the New York Club Give Joint Show in Fine Arts Building 389 PAPERS ARE ON VIEW 277 Artists Displaying Work --Chauncey F. Ryder Wins Two of Four Prizes. Impact: This art exhibition was the moment when watercolor became the medium of choice for future hipsters everywhere. Thanks to Chauncey F. Ryder, brunch would never be the same again.. Fact: Did you know that watercolor painting is just a fancy way of saying 'I’m too lazy to use oils'? But hey, at least it dries faster!.
- Headline: Food News of the Week; Government Activity Keeps Retail Butter Price Low--Meats Reasonable. Impact: The government's butter price control led to an insatiable demand for butter during the Great Depression, resulting in a national obsession that would eventually inspire the phrase, 'You butter believe it!'. Fact: Fun fact: Butter is still a contentious issue in supermarkets today. It’s like the Kardashians of dairy products—always in the spotlight!.
- Headline: Turnstile Theft Cases Put Off. Impact: The turnstile theft cases were postponed, leading to a never-ending cycle of delays that would inspire future generations to master the art of procrastination. Some things truly never change.. Fact: Did you know that postponing hearings is basically the adult version of ‘I’ll do it later’? Procrastination: the ultimate time traveler!.
- Headline: Named to Zinc-Lead Board. Impact: The formation of the Zinc-Lead Board set a precedent for corporate governance that would later inspire countless boardroom dramas and reality TV shows. Yes, folks, corporate malfeasance has always been a spectator sport!. Fact: Did you know that board meetings often involve more drama than most soap operas? At least there are snacks!.
- Headline: ADMITS $161,396 THEFTS; Campagnoli Pleads Guilty--To Be Sentenced March 20. Impact: Campagnoli's guilty plea was the first domino to fall in a series of thefts that would lead to the modern crime drama genre. If only the criminal masterminds back then knew how popular they’d become!. Fact: Did you know that stealing is still illegal, but it has inspired countless 'based on a true story' films? Who knew crime could be so glamorous?.
Wall Street Time Machine
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1939, it would be worth $3,433,942 today (3433.9x return)
PG
Procter & Gamble
Procter & Gamble - If you invested $1,000 in 1939, it would be worth $586,657 today (586.7x return)
CVX
Chevron
Chevron - If you invested $1,000 in 1939, it would be worth $474,913 today (474.9x return)