APRIL 1, 1944

Full News Archive

• Headline: Controversy in St. Louis Art Exhibit. Impact: This display of art censorship led to a secret society of rogue painters who decided to express their anti-establishment sentiments using the medium of toast art. Yes, toast art. Just think, if they hadn't barred those paintings, we might have never seen the rise of the Breakfast Art Movement. Fact: Did you know that the only thing more confusing than 1930s art politics is trying to explain modern art to your grandmother?.
• Headline: Remembering Otto T. Hess. Impact: Otto T. Hess's life is a series of unremarkable events that led to absolutely nothing of note. However, had he invented a time machine instead of living a mundane life, we might have avoided a lot of terrible fashion choices in the '70s. Fact: Fun fact: the 'T' in Otto T. Hess stands for 'Tedium.'.
• Headline: Adeline A. Wigand: Notable Portrait Painter. Impact: Adeline A. Wigand's portrait painting skills sparked a revolution in home décor that led to the modern obsession with Instagrammable walls. Who knew one woman’s brush could set the stage for countless selfies?. Fact: Did you know that portrait painting was once considered a valid excuse for skipping out on chores? Yeah, me neither.
• Headline: To Lease Commuter Coaches. Impact: By leasing commuter coaches, this event set off a chain reaction that transformed public transport into a military operation. Today, we can trace our obsession with themed escape rooms back to these troop carriers. Fact: Did you know that troop carriers were once considered the 'Uber' of their time? Except, you know, with less comfort and more explosions.
• Headline: CITES BRISTLE SHORTAGE; Brush Company Head Doubtful of Output Unless WPB Acts. Impact: The brush shortage crisis led to the great 'Bristle Wars' of the 1940s, where brush manufacturers engaged in epic battles over hair supplies. Historians still debate whether it was more tragic or just ridiculously funny. Fact: Fun fact: Bristles were once seen as a form of currency. So, if you have a few old paintbrushes lying around, you might just be rich!.
• Headline: PROTEST OPA BAN ON 5C DRINK RISE; Tavern Owners Assail Ruling Ordering Them to Collect Exact Amount of Tax PLAN APPEAL TO VINSON Some Groups Will Absorb the New Levies Temporarily -- Others Make Patrons Pay. Impact: This protest against the tax ruling sparked a movement for tavern owners to form a union, which eventually led to the modern bartering system of trading drinks for favors—hence, the rise of 'Drinks on the House' specials. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'free drinks' was invented in the same year? Coincidence? I think not.
• Headline: CLOTHING SHIPMENT READY; 46 Crates to Be Sent to Refugee Children in Sweden. Impact: Sending clothing shipments to refugee children in Sweden set off a chain of goodwill that eventually resulted in the invention of the cozy sweater. Thank you, 1930s benevolence!. Fact: Fun fact: The first cozy sweater was actually knitted by a child who just wanted to keep warm during winter. Who knew charity could be so fashionable?.
• Headline: M]tS. X B. ED%VAlDS. Impact: The existence of Mrs. Fitz B. Edwards remains a mystery, but speculation suggests she invented the art of making tea with a side of drama. Generations of tea drinkers owe their melodrama to her. Fact: Fun fact: If you want the real drama of tea, just add a British accent and a questionable backstory.