FEBRUARY 11, 1939

Full News Archive

• Headline: Joan Crawford Files for Divorce. Impact: Joan Crawford's dramatic divorce sent shockwaves through Hollywood, leading to a surge in melodramatic films where characters drink too much and throw things. This eventually culminated in the reality TV trend where people air their dirty laundry for ratings, all thanks to a broken marriage. Fact: Did you know that Joan Crawford once famously said, 'No wire hangers ever!'? I guess when it comes to divorce, she preferred to keep it all in the family—just not with her husband.
• Headline: Heartfelt Valentines for Hospitalized Children. Impact: Margaret Speaks' Valentine's Day efforts inspired a global movement for kindness, leading to the invention of the 'Hallmark Holiday' industry, where love is expressed through overpriced cards and last-minute grocery store flowers. Fact: Did you know that Valentine's Day was originally a day for matchmaking? Now, it's mostly just a reminder of how single people buy themselves chocolate and binge-watch rom-coms.
• Headline: Legacy of Mrs. Curtis in Boston. Impact: Mrs. Curtis became a symbol of resilience and strength, paving the way for future political widows to become powerful figures in their own right, leading to the eventual rise of prominent female politicians. Who knew a widow could have such a butterfly effect?. Fact: Fun fact: Being a widow of a mayor might seem glamorous, but it’s mostly just paperwork and attending events. Not quite as exciting as it sounds, right?.
• Headline: BOOKS OF THE TIMES; The Danes in the Lion's Mouth. Impact: This book led to a newfound fascination with Denmark, prompting an influx of tourists who believed they could handle the cold and the pastries. Little did they know, they’d leave with more than they bargained for—like an addiction to hygge. Fact: Did you know that Danes consume more pastries per capita than any other country? I guess they really take 'living in the lion's mouth' to heart with all that sugar!.
• Headline: Child for Margaret Sullavan. Impact: Margaret Sullavan’s motherhood journey inspired countless films and novels exploring the challenges of balancing career and family, leading to the eventual rise of the 'working mom' trope in entertainment. Thanks, Margaret, for the modern-day stress!. Fact: Margaret Sullavan was a talented actress, but she also had a knack for making motherhood look like a dramatic role. She really knew how to steal a scene, especially when one of her kids was throwing a tantrum!.
• Headline: TODAY ON THE RADIO. Impact: This vague radio announcement heralded the dawn of endless sports commentary, leading to the invention of the remote control and the societal divide between those who watch sports and those who pretend to care about them. Fact: Did you know that radio broadcasts were once so revolutionary that people actually gathered around their radios like family? Now we just gather around our phones, scrolling through memes of cat videos instead.
• Headline: MEXICO AND REICH ARRANGE NEW DEAL FOR BARTERING OIL; Germany to Supply Paper Mill and Newsprint in the $2,000,000 Project SINCLAIR TALKS PLANNED Embargo Put on Independent Company Because of Its Failure to Pay Wage Award. Impact: This barter deal set the stage for future trade relations, eventually resulting in the bizarre world of international trade where oil and paper somehow become intertwined—because who doesn’t need more paper in a world dominated by digital communication?. Fact: Did you know that bartering is one of the oldest forms of trade? It's kind of like trading Pokémon cards, but with way higher stakes and significantly less fun.
• Headline: WORKER CONFESSES $25,000 FARE THEFT; On Relief in 1932, Brooklyn Man Bought $10,000 and $5,000 Homes and a Car 27TH TO BE ARRESTED Superseding Indictment Is Returned Against 8 Former Subway Employes. Impact: This theft revealed the cracks in the economic system, leading to more stringent regulations and a whole lot of people thinking they could get away with it. Spoiler alert: most didn’t. Fact: Did you know that stealing $25,000 in 1932 is kind of like swiping $250,000 today? Who knew that crime could be so inflationary?.
• Headline: FIVE ARE SELECTED FOR SCHOOL POSTS; Two Women and 3 Men Are Chosen by the Board to Be Assistant Superintendents POSITIONS PAY $10,000 Candidates Are Named After Lengthy Tests--May Face Fight on Confirmation. Impact: The selection of these five created a ripple effect in educational leadership, paving the way for others to realize that assistant superintendency is just a fancy way of saying, 'Congratulations, you get to deal with more paperwork.'. Fact: Did you know that getting selected for an assistant superintendency can feel like winning a lottery? Except instead of cash, you get more responsibility and public scrutiny. What a prize!.
• Headline: GUILTY ON OPIUM CHARGE; Brooklyn Motor Boat Owner Convicted of 'Concealment'. Impact: The conviction of this motorboat owner led to tighter regulations on maritime activities, eventually inspiring a whole genre of crime dramas centered around smugglers. Thanks a lot, Captain Opium!. Fact: Did you know that opium was once used for medicinal purposes? But hey, let’s not mention that when we talk about crime, right?.