MAY 11, 1942

Full News Archive

• Headline: Tribute to Ren. Ze B. Phillips. Impact: When Ren Ze B. Phillips passed away, it inadvertently led to the creation of a new line of chaplaincy where the role evolved to include a mandatory talent show. Now, every Senate chaplain must perform a musical number before they can deliver a prayer. Imagine filibusters interrupted by a kazoo solo.. Fact: Phillips was appointed by Calvin Coolidge. Yes, the same Calvin Coolidge who believed in saying as little as possible – a true minimalist in an era of 'more is more.'.
• Headline: German Troop Movements Linked to Phone Cut. Impact: The cutting of Berlin-Stockholm phone lines triggered a series of miscommunications that ultimately led to the invention of the emoji, as people struggled to convey their feelings without words. Who knew a smiley face could change the course of history?. Fact: This event is a reminder that even in wartime, people just can’t manage to keep their conversations straight. Some things never change!.
• Headline: Union Gives $6,500 for Relief. Impact: The union's generous donation sparked a revolution in fundraising tactics, leading to bake sales that created the first-ever 'Cookie Monster' charity. Now all charities have to deal with the immense pressure of cookie expectations.. Fact: In 1942, $6,500 could buy you a small house, or about 13,000 chocolate chip cookies. Guess which one was more popular?.
• Headline: Mothers of Service Men Honored; Lower East Side Rally Draws 3,000; Ex-Mayor Walker, Now 'a Humble Buttonhole Maker,' Is Master of Ceremonies -- Pays Tribute to Women's War Work. Impact: Honoring mothers of service men led to an unexpected rise in ‘Mom for President’ campaigns. Fast forward a few decades, and now everyone wants to run with their mom as their VP – it’s like a family reunion gone political!. Fact: Ex-Mayor Walker was known as 'a humble buttonhole maker.' I guess he really knew how to keep things 'buttoned up' in politics!.
• Headline: WAR HERO MARCHES WITH HIS MOTHER; Procession in Queens Is Led by Lieutenant Bulkeley. Impact: When Lieutenant Bulkeley marched with his mother, it inspired a global trend of military parades featuring family members, leading to the creation of 'Bring Your Parent to War Day'... because nothing says 'bravery' like a mom waving pom-poms.. Fact: Lt. Bulkeley was a war hero, but let’s be honest, the real hero here is his mother for showing up in front of all those people!.
• Headline: MOTHER DIES KNOWING SON SAFE ON CRUISER; Marblehead Hero Sought in a Port After Sending Bouquet. Impact: Mrs. Anderson's death while knowing her son was safe led to a time-loop where countless mothers started developing superhuman intuition, leading to an age where every son had to check in regularly or face 'the mom stare' from across time.. Fact: The Marblehead cruiser was a big deal; it probably got more attention than most of the celebrity gossip magazines today!.
• Headline: BROOKS ASKS WAR 'TRUTH'; Illinois Senator Says Public Has Right to Know 'Facts'. Impact: Senator Brooks' push for war 'truth' sparked a movement where politicians had to start being honest – which led to a chaotic period of truth-telling that drove voters to seek out candidates who could actually lie convincingly.. Fact: This was back when public access to information was just a twinkle in the internet's eye. Ah, the good old days of ignorance being bliss!.
• Headline: DE. C. HOWARD CLARK. Impact: The introduction of air raid warden uniforms resulted in a quirky fashion trend that persisted into peace time, leading to a generation of people who thought orange trim was the ultimate statement of patriotism.. Fact: LaGuardia was serious about those coveralls! I mean, who doesn't want to look stylish while dodging bombs? Fashion never sleeps, even in a war!.
• Headline: AIR RAID WARDENS TO BE UNIFORMED; Mayor Says They Will Wear Blue Coveralls, With Orange Trim -- Men to Pay $4 Each NEW UNIFORM FOR AIR RAID WARDENS AIR RAID WARDENS TO BE UNIFORMED.