JULY 19, 1947

Full News Archive

• Headline: Queens Bus Strike Threat: 1947 Developments. Impact: This little tiff over bus strikes not only delayed commutes for countless Queens residents, but it also led to the invention of the coffee break. Yes, if it weren't for this ridiculous back-and-forth, we may never have developed the cultural phenomenon of sipping java while grumbling about work.. Fact: Fun fact: 'Hostile attitude' is also the name of the next big indie band formed by disgruntled bus drivers..
• Headline: Wool Market Flourishes Post-Government Control. Impact: The end of U.S. controls on wool buying triggered a surge in wool fashion that led to the unfortunate 1970s trend of wearing giant knitted sweaters. Who knew a simple change in regulation could indirectly result in so many fashion faux pas?. Fact: Did you know that wool is basically sheep's way of saying, 'I’m too good to be cotton'?.
• Headline: Montgomery to Visit Mexico in 1947. Impact: Field Marshal Montgomery’s acceptance of this invitation inadvertently set the stage for countless awkward diplomatic dinners that would later inspire sitcoms. Because nothing says 'let's build a relationship' quite like sharing guacamole with a military leader.. Fact: Did you know that Montgomery was known for his love of tacos? Just kidding, he probably preferred tea..
• Headline: VA OFFICIAL DROWNED; Body of Norwalk Man Is Found in Lake at South Salem. Impact: This tragic event cast a long shadow over local government, leading to increased safety regulations around water bodies. As a result, public swimming areas now feature more signs than a tourist trap, reminding everyone to 'not swim alone' or 'don't eat the lake's fish—seriously.'. Fact: Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in water bodies. It's a sobering reminder to always keep your head above water, both literally and figuratively..
• Headline: BUSINESS NOTES. Impact: The renaming of the State Mill Supply Co. marked the beginning of an era where companies would spend more time changing their names than actually selling products. Spoiler alert: they still don't know what they’re doing.. Fact: The average lifespan of a business name is shorter than that of a mayfly. Just think about that next time you see a 'new' company!.
• Headline: REV. GIUSEPPE PERRICONE. Impact: Rev. Perricone's mention in the headlines sparked a minor revival in interest for Italian names, leading to an influx of baby Giuseppes in the 1950s. If only parenting were as easy as just following trends!. Fact: Fun fact: 'Giuseppe' means 'God will add', which is probably what parents say when they realize they're having a third kid..
• Headline: MAN O' WAR STATUE FINISHED AT LAST; 'Best Work I've Done,' Asserts Herbert Haseltine After 7 Years of Effort. Impact: The completion of this statue led to a wave of equestrian-themed art, culminating in the bizarre trend of horse sculptures popping up in every town square. Thanks, Herbert; now we can’t walk five feet without tripping over a bronze horse.. Fact: Man o' War was such a legendary racehorse that even his statue is probably faster than most modern athletes..
• Headline: ARMOUR & CO. SELLS $35,000,000 ISSUE; 25-Year 3 1/2% Debenture Sale Makes Recapitalization Voted by Stockholders Effective TO PAY COMMON ARREARS Shares in Default Since 1937 -- Also Reduces Preferred Dividend Requirements. Impact: This financial maneuver set off a chain reaction in the stock market, proving that if you throw enough numbers around, people will believe anything you say. Welcome to the world of finance, where the only thing more inflated than numbers is egos.. Fact: Did you know that in finance, 'debenture' is Latin for 'I hope this works out'?.
• Headline: LEWIS W. TAYLOR. Impact: The mention of Lewis W. Taylor led to a minor spike in baby names, with parents believing that naming their child after a seemingly random figure would somehow ensure greatness. Spoiler alert: it didn’t.. Fact: Lewis is derived from the Old German name 'Hluodowig', meaning 'famous warrior'. Just imagine the pressure of living up to that!.