FEBRUARY 23, 1944

Full News Archive

• Headline: J. Barney Sherry: Stage and Screen Legacy. Impact: The untimely death of J. Barney Sherry led to the rise of a lesser-known actor who would go on to star in a blockbuster film about a time-traveling historian. Spoiler alert: it flopped spectacularly, changing the trajectory of Hollywood forever.. Fact: J. Barney Sherry was once considered for a role in a classic film, but his real legacy lies in people mispronouncing his name for decades..
• Headline: Edwin H. O'Neil's Legacy. Impact: Edwin H. O'Neil's mysterious disappearance from headlines prompted a series of conspiracy theories that he had actually traveled to the future, where he became a well-known time-traveling historian. Rumor has it he still can’t find his way back.. Fact: Edwin H. O'Neil is a name that sounds important, but it turns out he was just really good at avoiding the spotlight—perhaps a true pioneer in the art of being forgettable..
• Headline: Rembrandt's 'A Lady With a Fan' Donated. Impact: The presentation of Rembrandt's 'A Lady With a Fan' sparked a global art movement, leading to a sudden uptick in people fanning themselves dramatically in public, thereby inventing the modern art of public theatrics.. Fact: This painting is so famous that if it had a social media account, it would have more followers than your average influencer. And yet, it still can't get a date..
• Headline: MRS. JESSE PETTY. Impact: Mrs. Jesse Petty's quiet life was forever altered by her inclusion in the headlines, resulting in her distant descendants believing they were royalty. They now hold a yearly festival to celebrate their 'royal lineage,' which consists mainly of potato sack races.. Fact: Mrs. Jesse Petty was not just ordinary; she was the queen of baked goods in her neighborhood. Her cookies could have ruled a kingdom if only they had legs..
• Headline: LEWIS MATHIS. Impact: Lewis Mathis was so unremarkable that his name has been used as a placeholder in historical documents ever since. If you ever see 'John Doe' or 'Jane Smith,' remember: they could have easily been Lewis Mathis.. Fact: Lewis Mathis was known for his astounding ability to blend into any crowd, which is why he was rarely mentioned in history—he was just too good at being average..