Inventions & Breakthroughs of September 1947
Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
1 
Stored-Program Computer Architecture
2 
Transistor Radio Prototype
3 
Microwave Communication Tower
4 
Black Box Flight Recorder
5 
Electric Speed Control System
6 
Neoprene Wetsuit
7 
Jet Passenger Aircraft Concept
8 
Magnetic Tape Recorder Improvements
9 
Plastic Baby Bottle
10 
Programmable Logic Controller Concept
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON September 5, 1947
Full News Archive
- Headline: William S. Baldwin's Significant Role. Impact: If only Baldwin had invented the flying car instead of just being a guy. But alas, his mediocre reputation led to the rise of mediocre men everywhere, causing countless bad decisions in corporate boardrooms across the globe.. Fact: William S. Baldwin is now the unofficial poster child for 'just another guy in history.'.
- Headline: E.L. Beach: Noted Playwright Passes Away. Impact: Emmett L. Beach's death sent shockwaves through the playwright community, leading to a decade of theatrical performances featuring awkward pauses and existential dread. Thanks, Emmett.. Fact: His play 'Goose Hangs High' was ironically about the ups and downs of a chicken's life, which nobody really wanted to see..
- Headline: C. F. BATCHELDER, 94, CHICAGO CARTOONIST. Impact: C.F. Batchelder's cartoons inspired an entire generation of ‘funny’ social media memes, which ultimately led to the downfall of civilization as we know it. Thanks, Charles.. Fact: Batchelder was known for his uncanny ability to draw a mustache on anything, including the Mona Lisa. Art critics still don’t know how to feel about that..
- Headline: SOPHIE MAINTAINS OLD SKIRT LENGTHS; Shuns Bustles and Hip Pads as She Opposes a Return to 19th Century Styles. Impact: Sophie’s rebellion against bustles and hip pads sparked a revolution in the fashion world, paving the way for the 'no pants' movement of the 21st century. Bravo, Sophie!. Fact: Sophie’s fashion sense is directly responsible for the rise of sweatpants as acceptable public attire. You’re welcome, world..
- Headline: BROOKLYN POLICE IN RECORD SHAKE-UP; 42 Detectives Are Transferred and 7 Others Demoted by Wallander Order. Impact: The Brooklyn police shake-up made headlines, but ultimately just sent the detectives on a wild goose chase for donuts, which led to a nationwide donut shortage that affected everyone from cops to kids.. Fact: In a twist of irony, the shake-up was also the first time anyone cared about Brooklyn's police force since the last time they shook hands with a donut..
Wall Street Time Machine
The Right Call: If you'd invested $1,000 in any one of these companies in 1947, here's what the stored 2025 dataset estimates.
Rank #1
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Price in 1947
$0.06
2025 dataset value
$3,433,943
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1947, it would be worth $3,433,943 today (3433.9x return)
Rank #2
PG
Procter & Gamble
Price in 1947
$0.25
2025 dataset value
$586,657
Procter & Gamble - If you invested $1,000 in 1947, it would be worth $586,657 today (586.7x return)
Rank #3
KMB
Kimberly-Clark
Price in 1947
$0.69
2025 dataset value
$147,887
Kimberly-Clark - If you invested $1,000 in 1947, it would be worth $147,887 today (147.9x return)
🦸 Top 5 Comics
Young Romance #1
$2,500
Kid Colt Outlaw #1
$2,500
Blackhawk #9
$300
All Winners Comics #20
$500
Crime Does Not Pay #49
$1,100
🧸 Top 5 Toys
Tonka Trucks
$150.00
Dollhouse Furniture
$1,800.00
Slinky Dog
$1,800.00
Kite
$25.00
View-Master
$40.00
⚾ Top 5 Trading Cards
Bond Bread Jackie Robinson Rookie Card
$5,000
Tip Top Bread Mickey Vernon Card
$5,000
Kane Products Ltd. Famous Footballers - Stanley Matthews Card
$1,200
La Confederation Des Francais Libres - Charles De Gaulle Card
$0
General Mills Mickey Mantle Pre-Rookie Card
$250,000