JULY 25, 1970

Full News Archive

• Headline: Coca-Cola's Commitment to Migrant Workers. Impact: When Coca-Cola finally decided to improve the status of its migrant farm workers, the butterfly effect led to a worldwide campaign for fair labor practices. Fast forward a few decades, and now every time you crack open a cold one, you’re reminded that at least it’s not made by unpaid interns!. Fact: Coca-Cola was originally marketed as a tonic for various ailments. Imagine if they had stuck to that instead of becoming the poster child for corporate responsibility!.
• Headline: Reviving Ellis Island: A New Purpose. Impact: The squatters who transformed Ellis Island into a rehabilitation center inadvertently sparked a global movement for repurposing abandoned spaces. Who knew that a bunch of ex-drug addicts could be the pioneers of urban renewal? Talk about turning your life around!. Fact: Ellis Island has already been home to more transformations than a reality TV star. It went from processing immigrants to a museum, and now it’s a rehab center. What’s next? A luxury resort?.
• Headline: Trailblazer in Advertising: Florence W. Goldin. Impact: Florence W. Goldin’s contributions to advertising led to the rise of more female executives in a field that is still trying to figure out how to spell 'diversity' correctly. Thanks, Florence, for making it slightly less male-dominated, one ad at a time!. Fact: Advertising is considered one of the oldest professions. Yet, somehow, they still manage to miss the mark on what people actually want to buy!.
• Headline: HEMPSTEAD SCHOOL DESTROYED BY FIRE. Impact: The suspicious fire at Hempstead High School ignited a series of debates about safety regulations in schools nationwide. Little did the arsonist know, they sparked a fire of legislative change that would make future school buildings less flammable!. Fact: In 1970, the U.S. experienced a significant number of school fires. Ironically, they got more attention than the students—at least for a while!.
• Headline: JESSE SHWAYDER OF SAMSONITE DIES. Impact: Jesse Shwayder's passing marked the end of an era for Samsonite, which eventually evolved into the world of ultra-lightweight luggage. Who knew luggage could become a status symbol? Thanks for starting that trend, Jesse!. Fact: Samsonite luggage has been around since 1910. You could say it has traveled more than most people can in a lifetime. What a jet-setter!.
• Headline: New Chance for Home Rule. Impact: R. F. Wagner’s appointment to head the home rule study might have seemed like a minor political move, but it set off a chain reaction of local governance reforms. Eventually, everyone was trying to figure out how to rule their own little kingdoms!. Fact: Home rule is basically the local government's way of saying, 'We can do this better than you!' Spoiler: they often can't!.
• Headline: Glen Cove Puts Off Tax Sale of Estate Of the Soviet Union. Impact: Glen Cove's tax sale postponement of the Soviet Union's estate was the beginning of a long and confusing relationship between local governments and international diplomacy. Who knew tax collectors could have such a significant role in global politics?. Fact: Tax exemptions for foreign governments are a thing, but try explaining that to your cranky neighbor who can't even get a break on his property taxes!.
• Headline: ODETTA SINGS BLUES; FOURTH WAY ON BILL. Impact: Odetta’s performance sparked a revival of interest in folk music, leading to a cultural renaissance that influenced everything from the 60s protest songs to today's indie music scene. Talk about a ripple effect that changed the playlist of history!. Fact: Odetta is often referred to as the 'Voice of the Civil Rights Movement.' She could sing her way into your heart and political consciousness at the same time!.