MARCH 30, 1941

Full News Archive

• Headline: Roosevelt's Call to Resist Axis Powers. Impact: Roosevelt's call to action inspired a generation of Americans to take up knitting, leading to an unexpected boom in sweater production that ironically kept them warm during the coldest winter of '43.. Fact: Did you know that FDR's yacht Potomac was once used for a game of Monopoly? The stakes were high—literally..
• Headline: Peterborough's Claims War Fund Efforts. Impact: The fundraising efforts in Peterborough kickstarted a trend where towns began competing to see who could raise the most money. This rivalry eventually led to the Great Bake Sale War of 1945, resulting in a nationwide shortage of flour.. Fact: Did you know that 'subscription efforts' sounds way more exciting than they actually are? It's basically the 'please give us money' of the 1940s..
• Headline: U.S. Consulate Destroyed in Plymouth Attack. Impact: The destruction of the U.S. consulate in Plymouth set off a chain reaction that made future diplomats highly paranoid about choosing their office locations—leading to the infamous 'No Office Near a Volcano' policy.. Fact: Interestingly, 'no casualties' is like the silver lining of tragic events. It's like saying, 'Hey, at least the building is just a pile of rubble!'.
• Headline: MILITANT IN EARTH. By Edward Richie Hardy Jr. 255 pp. New York: Oxford University Press. $3.. Impact: Hardy Jr.'s book spurred a wave of literary activism, leading to the creation of the 'Militant in Space' genre—yes, space was still a twinkle in the eye of authors, but you can thank Hardy for paving the way.. Fact: Fun fact: 'Militant in Earth' was originally titled 'Militant in Your Backyard' until the publisher realized nobody wanted to read about their neighbor's lawn..
• Headline: A REVIEWER'S NOTEBOOK; Brief Comment on Some of the Recently Opened Exhibitions in the Galleries. Impact: The reviewer's note about exhibitions ignited a long-standing debate over what constitutes 'art.' This debate ultimately led to the creation of the infamous 'What Even Is This?' award for contemporary artists.. Fact: Did you know that art critics are basically the hipsters of history? They decide what’s cool long after it’s already been forgotten..
• Headline: British Benefit Show Planned. Impact: The planned benefit show became a blueprint for future charity events, ultimately leading to the rise of the 'Celebrity Bake-Off' where stars got way too competitive over who made the best cookies.. Fact: Did you know that 'benefit show' might sound like a fancy way to say 'let's watch the rich help the slightly less rich'?.
• Headline: The Young Boone; WITH DANIEL BOONE ON THE CAROLINY TRAIL. By Alexander Key. Illustrated by the author. 223 pp. Philadelphia, Pa.: The John C. Winston Company. $2.. Impact: Alexander Key's book about Daniel Boone sparked a fascination with pioneer life, resulting in a bizarre trend of people trying to live like they were in the 18th century—complete with coonskin caps and questionable hygiene.. Fact: Did you know that if Daniel Boone had a TikTok, he'd probably be the first influencer? #PioneerLife would have been a thing..