JANUARY 5, 1951

Full News Archive

• Headline: Remington's Ties to Communist Party Box. Impact: Little did they know, the use of a P.O. box for questionable activities would eventually lead to a rise in conspiracy theories, inspiring countless TV shows and podcasts where bored millennials would obsess over the 'truth'. Fact: In 1937, the world was also blissfully unaware that the future would see 'perjury' become a favorite pastime for politicians.
• Headline: Corigliano Shines as Soloist in 1951. Impact: Corigliano's solo in Prokofieff's Concerto would inspire musicians everywhere, but also lead to an increase in violin sales, resulting in a global shortage of rosin and creating a black market for bow accessories. Fact: Prokofieff originally titled his concerto 'The Violin Whines Because It’s Lonely'—but then changed it because that was too on-the-nose.
• Headline: Tragic Death of Boxer Stanley McKay. Impact: Stanley McKay's untimely demise in an auto accident led to a surge in public safety campaigns, resulting in the eventual invention of the seatbelt. Thank you, Stanley, for saving millions—after the fact. Fact: McKay was a promising boxer, which is a sad reminder that sometimes life hits harder than any opponent in the ring.
• Headline: RAIL TOBACCO RATE CUT; 14.4% Is Authorized by I.C.C. Effective After Jan. 19. Impact: The 14.4% rail rate cut would eventually result in a massive spike in tobacco sales, making the phrase 'smoke 'em if you got 'em' a billion-dollar economic strategy. Fact: In the 1930s, railroads were the original delivery service—before Amazon Prime made us all spoiled.
• Headline: Times-Star Advances Taft's Son. Impact: The promotion of Taft's son to director probably laid the groundwork for the phrase 'nepotism' to become a household term decades later, reinforcing the idea that family ties can be more powerful than competence. Fact: There are only two things you can count on in this world: death and political dynasties.
• Headline: JUDGMENTS UPHELD IN SALE OF BRIDGES; 12 Individuals and Investment House Must Pay $3,050,347 to Jersey Commission. Impact: The court's judgment against the Powell syndicate opened the floodgates for investment houses to start wearing their dubious practices like badges of honor, leading to the financial crises of the future. Fact: The $3 million judgment could have bought a small island back then—if anyone had thought to invest in real estate instead of bridges.
• Headline: MONAGHAN HAILS NEW FIRE SET-UP; Commissioner Reports Smooth Operation on First Day of Reshuffle at Top. Impact: Monaghan's smooth operation report was the catalyst for future bureaucratic reshuffles, proving that sometimes the only thing that changes in an organization is the name on the door. Fact: In the world of city commissions, 'smooth operation' is code for 'we didn't break anything this week.'.
• Headline: NELSON J. CORKE. Impact: Nelson J. Corke's mention in the news might have sparked a secret society of people named Nelson who aspire to achieve greatness, but instead just scroll through social media all day. Fact: Corke's name is a reminder that sometimes the most ordinary names can hide extraordinary stories—if only they were documented.
• Headline: WEST FUND GETS $17,880; Bassett Beats Davis in Benefit for Dead Boxer's Family. Impact: The benefit for West's family not only raised funds but also brought attention to the plight of boxers, leading to future charity events that would eventually become more about the celebrity guests than the cause. Fact: This benefit bout was a classic case of ‘fighting for a good cause’—because nothing says charity like two people punching each other in the face.