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Rationing: Making Do During WWII
On this date in 1940, food rationing began in Great Britain during World War II. Here are some things you may not know about rationing. Bacon, butter and sugar were the first foods to be rationed in the UK. This was followed by rations for meat, tea, jam, cereals, cheese, eggs, milk and canned and…
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Charles Addams: A “Family” Man
Today is the 103rd anniversary of the birth of illustrator Charles Addams. Here are some things you may not have known about the creator of “The Addams Family.” Charles Addams was born in Westfield, New Jersey in 1912. Houses in his hometown were said to be the inspiration for the Addams Family mansion. A childhood…
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Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan: Unsportsmanlike Conduct
On this date in 1994, American figure skater Nancy Kerrigan was attacked by a man hired by the husband of her main competitor, Tonya Harding. Here are some things you may not have known about the skaters and the attack. Nancy Kerrigan was born in 1969 in a suburb of Boston. She began skating at…
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Golden Gate Bridge: Form and Function
On this date in 1933, construction began on the Golden Gate Bridge. Here are some things you may not have known about the bridge. Ferry service between San Francisco and Marin County started in the 1820s. The Golden Gate Ferry Company, which originated in 1867 went on to become the largest ferry system in the…
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Topsy: The Electrocution of an Elephant
On this date in 1903, Topsy, an Asian elephant was euthanized by electrocution at Coney Island, New York. Here are some things you may not have known about the incident. Topsy was brought to the United States and performed in the Forepaugh Circus, where she gained a reputation as a bad elephant after killing a…
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Times Square: A New Year’s Tradition
Today is New Year’s Day, which is marked in New York City by the ball drop in Times Square. Here are some things you may not have known about the Times Square Ball. The first ball drop was held on New Year’s Eve 1907. It was organized by Adolph Ochs, the owner of the New…