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 March 26, 1939
Full News Archive
- Headline: Randolph-Macon Woman's College Funding Boost. Impact: This generous $35,000 donation somehow inspired the future creation of overpriced college sweatshirts. Who knew a simple act of kindness would lead to a multi-billion dollar industry?. Fact: Fun fact: That $35,000 would be worth around $500,000 today. Just imagine the potential tuition hikes!.
- Headline: Gouverneur Morris and the French Revolution. Impact: Gouverneur Morris’s diary becomes the holy grail for historians, but also inadvertently inspires a dramatic increase in the popularity of French pastries. Who knew revolution and croissants were so closely linked?. Fact: Morris was actually quite the socialite; he was known for his charm and wit—qualities that could have made him a TikTok star today!.
- Headline: A UNIVERSAL ERROR ABOUT GLAMOUR; With Special Reference to the Appeal of Deanna Durbin-- Second Thoughts on Eisenstein's Film and Others. Impact: This universal error about glamour leads to a fashion revolution where people start dressing like they just rolled out of bed. Fashionistas of the future rejoice in the comfort of sweatpants!. Fact: Deanna Durbin was so popular that she influenced countless teen idols—proving that even stars can have their moments of doubt... and questionable fashion choices..
- Headline: MAYOR GIVES VIEWS ON THE PRESIDENCY; Urges Putting Aside of Fads and Personalities to Pick Man Who Will Tackle Issues. Impact: LaGuardia’s advice to prioritize substance over style ultimately contributes to the rise of politicians with questionable fashion choices but solid policies, leading to an era of 'dad jeans' in the Oval Office.. Fact: LaGuardia was known for his short stature and fiery speeches, making him the original 'firecracker' of the political scene!.
- Headline: BOOTLEGGERS ARE JAILED; Four Sentenced to Prison in Alcohol Smuggling Plot. Impact: The jailing of bootleggers leads to an underground network of speakeasy enthusiasts who discover that the best parties come from prohibition—thus creating a legacy of questionable life choices for generations.. Fact: Interestingly, the bootlegging industry fueled some of the most creative cocktail recipes, which we can thank for our love of fancy drinks today!.
- Headline: TAX LIMIT TREND NOTED IN 8 STATES; Legislation Being Considered to Relieve Real Estate in Some Sections FIXES DEFINITE CHARGES H.U. Nelson Says Principle as Adopted by Nine States Shows Good Results. Impact: Tax limitations in eight states lead to a nationwide movement of tax rebels, eventually inspiring a reality TV show called 'Tax Time Takedown'. Who knew finance could be this entertaining?. Fact: Tax laws have been around since ancient Mesopotamia, proving that taxes have always been a royal pain in the neck!.
- Headline: STUDY EAST SIDE NEEDS; Committees for Work Named by First Avenue Association. Impact: The study of East Side needs sets off a bizarre trend where urban planners start to think they’re modern-day prophets, predicting gentrification before it even happens.. Fact: Urban studies became a hot topic after this, leading to countless coffee shop debates over who gets to decide what a neighborhood 'needs'..
- Headline: FASHIONS to the QUEEN'S TASTE; FASHIONS SET BY THE QUEEN. Impact: Queen-approved fashions lead to a worldwide craze for royal-inspired wardrobes, inspiring the creation of a new industry: 'Royal Lookalike Services'. Long live the lookalikes!. Fact: The Queen’s taste in fashion has influenced everything from tea towels to high-end couture, proving that her wardrobe choices are the real monarchy of style..
- Headline: NEW RADIO GIVES LISTENER MORE CONTROL OVER THE TONE OF MUSIC AND SPEECH. Impact: The introduction of a new radio with listener control leads to an unexpected rise in debates over 'which tone is the best for your morning commute'. The sound of silence becomes the hottest debate topic.. Fact: Imagine if everyone had the power to control their own radio—music might have never been the same, and we might all still be stuck in a world of elevator music!.
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)