Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON February 1, 1947
Full News Archive
- Headline: Practical Travel Hats Showcase 1947. Impact: The practical yet modish hats introduced during this show led to the rise of hat enthusiasts who would later form secret societies dedicated to the art of millinery, influencing fashion trends that would ultimately lead to the invention of the bucket hat.. Fact: Fun fact: If you wore a practical hat in the 1950s, it was probably a sign that your life was more organized than your neighbor's. Who needs therapy when you have a fabulous hat?.
- Headline: International Match Liquidation Announcement. Impact: The final dividend from the International Match Realization Company rippled through the economy, inspiring a generation of people to think they could liquidate their own lives and invest in avocado toast, forever changing brunch menus.. Fact: Did you know 'liquidate' in a corporate sense doesn't mean to throw a party and just drown in your sorrows? Although, judging by the coffee prices, it might as well!.
- Headline: 3 Gannett Papers Raise Price. Impact: The price increase of three Gannett papers sparked a nationwide crisis where readers debated whether to splurge on news or just scroll through social media, ultimately paving the way for clickbait articles to flourish like weeds in a garden.. Fact: Did you know that raising newspaper prices is the adult equivalent of asking your kids to pay for their own video games? Spoiler alert: they won't..
- Headline: To Take Presbyterian Post. Impact: D.A. Locke's appointment to the National Missions Board was like planting a seed that would grow into a tree of bureaucracy, resulting in endless meetings and reports that would eventually lead to the invention of coffee breaks.. Fact: Fun fact: Joining a board of national missions means you've officially reached the level of 'professional meeting attendee'. Congratulations!.
- Headline: GARDNERS TO SHIP FOOD; Family of New Envoy Will Take 60-Day Supply to Britain. Impact: The Gardners' decision to ship food to Britain during this time created a ripple effect that made people believe that sending care packages could solve all problems, inspiring future generations to send pizza to their friends instead of emotional support.. Fact: Did you know that sending a 60-day food supply is like saying, 'I care about you, but I also want you to gain some weight'? Love comes in many forms!.
- Headline: HENRY J. WALSH RETIRES; Assistant District Attorney of Kings Served 24 Years. Impact: Henry J. Walsh's retirement marked a pivotal moment where the legal community began to realize that after 24 years, one could actually leave the office while still having their sanity intact, leading to a wave of early retirements in pursuit of the elusive concept of 'work-life balance'.. Fact: Fun fact: Retiring after 24 years is like escaping from a long movie that you didn't even want to see in the first place. Cheers to the popcorn!.
- Headline: PANIC SEIZES FORTY IN TROLLEY CAR FIRE; PANIC SEIZES FORTY IN TROLLEY CAR FIRE. Impact: The panic during the trolley car fire resulted in a chain reaction of safety measures that eventually led to the introduction of mandatory fire drills, effectively ruining countless lunchtime breaks for students worldwide.. Fact: Did you know that in a trolley car fire, the real danger is not just the flames but also the 'who can scream the loudest' competition that breaks out?.
- Headline: Named Export Sales Manager. Impact: K.L. Crapeau's appointment as export sales manager became the catalyst for a series of increasingly ridiculous job titles in corporate America, leading to job descriptions that now sound like they belong in a dystopian novel.. Fact: Fun fact: Being named 'Export Sales Manager' is just a fancy way of saying 'I sell stuff and hope people don't ask me too many questions.'.
- Headline: Profits in War Below 10%, Hirsch Tells Brewster Body; HIRSCH SETS PROFIT IN WAR BELOW 10%. Impact: Hirsch's testimony on war profits triggered a debate that spilled over into the corporate world, leading to the infamous '10% profit margin' rule that haunts businesses to this day, with the unintended consequence of making accountants the most popular kids at parties.. Fact: Did you know that testifying about war profits is just a polite way of saying, 'I’m here to ruin your day with numbers'? You’re welcome!.
Wall Street Time Machine
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1947, it would be worth $3,433,943 today (3433.9x return)
PG
Procter & Gamble
Procter & Gamble - If you invested $1,000 in 1947, it would be worth $586,657 today (586.7x return)
KMB
Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark - If you invested $1,000 in 1947, it would be worth $147,887 today (147.9x return)