SEPTEMBER 18, 1943

Full News Archive

• Headline: Rise in Panama Hat Prices Predicted. Impact: As Panama hat prices soared, fashionistas suddenly realized they could no longer afford to look like they were on a tropical vacation. This led to a rise in sales of fake plants and beach-themed wallpaper, effectively ruining the decor industry for decades.. Fact: Did you know that the Panama hat was actually invented in Ecuador? Talk about a marketing mix-up!.
• Headline: Tribute to Bruce W. MacDonald. Impact: Bruce W. MacDonald became an obscure figure in history, but his name was later used by a popular fictional detective in a series of novels. The detective's crime-solving methods? Asking the right questions while sipping tea. Riveting.. Fact: Fun fact: Bruce W. MacDonald was never actually involved in solving crimes. Shocking, I know..
• Headline: OPA's Battle Against Rising Moving Rates. Impact: OPA's fight against moving rates led to a nationwide revolt against all things moving-related. People began hoarding furniture and refusing to relocate, creating an entire subculture devoted to living in one room surrounded by packed boxes.. Fact: Did you know that moving companies have their own secret language? It's mostly just screaming and crying..
• Headline: EDWARD SKARDA; ! Illinois State RepresentatJve a Chicago Democvatio Leader. Impact: Edward Skarda's political career inadvertently inspired a generation of amateur politicians who believed they could also make it big simply by mispronouncing 'democratic' in public speeches. Spoiler: they didn't.. Fact: Edward Skarda was known for his magnetic personality, which was just a fancy way of saying he had an unusually strong magnet in his pocket..
• Headline: Deadline for Overseas Gifts. Impact: The Boy Scouts' initiative to distribute postal service posters inadvertently sparked a nationwide campaign for better postal service, leading to the formation of a new political party: The Postmasters' Union for Universal Delivery.. Fact: Did you know that the Boy Scouts once tried to sell cookies? They were called 'Scout's Honor', but they ended up being more popular as doorstops..
• Headline: IMPERIAL VALLEY SELLS BOND ISSUE; Irrigation District Borrows $6,000,000 for Purchase of Electric Properties. Impact: The Imperial Valley's bond issue for electric properties ignited a passion for DIY home projects. People started thinking they could also invest in their own power sources, leading to a brief but intense obsession with solar-powered everything.. Fact: Did you know that borrowing $6,000,000 back in the day was like asking your parents for a dollar today? They just rolled their eyes..
• Headline: MARDI GRAS TO END TODAY; Baby Parade to Be Final Event of Coney Island Carnival. Impact: The end of Mardi Gras, marked by a Baby Parade, resulted in an unexpected baby boom five years later. It turns out that people really got into the spirit of the celebration a little too much.. Fact: Did you know that the Baby Parade was the original reality show? It just didn't have enough drama to keep viewers hooked..
• Headline: ! S. HAROLD B. WT,T,,CK I I. Impact: Harold B. Wallack's contribution to history was so minimal that his name became synonymous with 'who?' in trivia games. Generations of quiz masters have since used it to stump contestants.. Fact: Did you know that Mrs. Harold B. Wallack once tried to enter a spelling bee but misspelled her own name? Talk about a plot twist!.