DailyTimeCapsule brief
December 13, 1939
On December 13, 1939, a tragic accident occurred when a car plunged off Mt. Wilson, claiming the lives of a family of four. The incident was exacerbated by a delayed report, which took 12 hours to emerge. The driver was a coast man who had taken out a $30,000 insurance policy on the victims. The same day saw a surge in industrial activity in New York State, with the filing of 154 factory project plans, setting a record for the month of November. Meanwhile, a devastating fire destroyed a gaming salon in Cuba, highlighting the ongoing challenges of safety in entertainment venues worldwide. As the world grappled with the looming threats of World War II, these events painted a picture of a society balancing tragedy, growth, and instability.
Key developments
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On December 13, 1939, a car accident led to the tragic death of a family of four when their vehicle plunged off Mt. Wilson into a 1,000-foot canyon. The victims included Mrs. Crawford, her three children, and their companion R. Barnett. The incident was shrouded in controversy as the husband of Mrs. Crawford had taken out a $30,000 insurance policy on the victims shortly before the plunge.
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In December 1939, a report from the Labor Department revealed that New York State experienced an unprecedented spike in industrial building activity. A total of 154 plans were filed in November, setting a new record for the month. This surge in construction indicated a significant economic growth and industrial expansion during the pre-World War II era.
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On December 13, 1939, a significant fire broke out at the Summer Casino in Marianao Beach, Cuba, causing extensive damage to the popular gaming salon. The incident drew considerable attention and raised concerns about fire safety regulations in public venues. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported despite the chaos of the event.
