Author Archives: clem.law@usa.net

1939 Electronic Project Lab

1939SepPSThe lucky young man shown here, now about 90 years old, is putting the finishing touches on an electronic project, courtesy of his miniature radio laboratory kit, as shown in the September 1939 issue of Popular Science.

The kit was packed compactly in a cardboard box with full instructions for making a radio receiver, a code practice set, a relay for turning on and off lights, and other projects. Included in the set was a soldering iron and spool of solder, allowing the set to teach a skill that “every amateur radio fan should learn to use.”

While such kits were arguably a lot cooler in 1939 when they came with a soldering iron and tubes, many such electronic project kits are still available, as shown by these Amazon links.  (These are affiliate links, meaning that this site gets a small commission if you buy after clicking on them.)



Labor Day 1944: Ritz Crackers!

1944Sep4Life
The final Labor Day of World War II fell on September 4, 1944, and that day’s issue of Life Magazine showed Americans how the holiday could be celebrated, namely, with Ritz Crackers!

The Nabisco ad in the issue included the illustration shown above of a of a Record Party.  “Let the gang bring the records they like best … you supply the Ritz.  Favorite bands and favorite cracker–what more could the ‘gaters’ want for a good time!”  I’m not sure what a “gater” is, but the gaters shown here seem to be having fun.  According to the ad, Ritz crackers were also suitable for a backyard picnic, or just a quiet evening at home.



World War II Begins: 1 Sept. 1939

1939Sep1MilJourToday marks the 80th anniversary of the start of World War II. The late edition of the Milwaukee Journal for that day, shown above, carries this AP report:

German troops and warplanes invaded Poland Friday after Nazi annexation of Danzig was proclaimed.

Poland immediately called for aid from Great Britain and France.

Prime Minister Chamberlain announced that Britain and France would fulfill their obligations to Poland unless Germany withdraws immediately.

King George VI signed an order in council for complete British army, navy, and air force mobilization.

The attack was reported to have begun at 9:00 AM local time in Poland, 2:00 AM U.S. central time.  Accordingly, the final edition of the paper shown above was preceded by the Extra edition shown below, which probably hit the streets in the early afternoon.

Click for full size image.

For more headlines, view our post from the 75th anniversary.



1939 Homemade Tractor

1939AugPMA few weeks ago, we featured a young man in 1944 driving around his California back yard in a tractor built by his father.  And it’s not inconceivable that the father was inspired by this picture, which appeared in the August 1939 issue of Popular Mechanics.

The constructor of the 1939 version is described only as a “Maine radio man.”  The tractor was put together for entertainment, as well as practical use in the garden.  It measured five feet long and three feet high, and was powered by a two cycle 3/4 HP washing machine motor, with a three speed motorcycle transmission.  Thus, the young man shown here was undoubtedly adept at using the clutch.



Polio Quarantine: 1944

1944Aug30MilJour1944Aug30MilJour2On this day 75 years ago, the United States was at war, but the City of Milwaukee was at war against Polio. Because of an outbreak, all children under 12 years old were confined to their homes.

That didn’t stop these girls from socializing with their friends two doors down. Shown here are Rosemary O’Brien, 12, Peggy O’Brien, 9, and Florence Ann O’Brien, 12, of 5321 N. Diversey Blvd., Milwaukee. They have rigged up a pulley system to send notes to their friends at 5335 Diversey, Betty Ann Dundon, 12, Sherman Dundon, 9, and Monica Dundon, 11.

Meanwhile, Schuster’s Department Store offers to help with these toys, books, and records for kids who are quarantined.

Both images appeared in the Milwaukee Journal, August 30, 1944.



Hurricane Preparedness Links

cone graphic

NOAA image.

With Hurricane Dorian bearing down on Florida, here are links to earlier posts on hurricane preparedness.



1939 3 Tube Portable

1939AugPS21939AugPS3This trio are enjoying a radio program out on the terrace thanks to a miniature portable receiver described in the August 1939 issue of Popular Science. The three-tube set drove a loudspeaker thanks to three miniature 1.5 volt British tubes, the XW for the two RF tubes, and the XY serving as audio amplifier. Even though the tubes were made in England, the magazine noted that they were available from the major U.S. suppliers.

The construction was quite compact, and the magazine cautioned that, as with most sets, success depending on the quality of the workmanship. An antenna of 25-40 feet was recommended, with a ground connection optional.

1939AugPSschematic



1939: No Car Too Old for Radio

1939AugRadioRetailingEighty years ago this month, the August 1939 issue of Radio Retailing offered this suggestion for marketing car radios. By this time, it was natural to have a new radio in a new car. But the creative dealer could create a market by selling new radios to put in old cars.

The demonstration shown here was put together by dealer Crest, Incorporated, in St. Louis. To show that no car is too old for a radio, they installed the latest 1940 pushbutton model in this 1909 Ford. “And out into both commercial and residential districts went the car, attracting crowds by the very contrast between its own ancient appearance and the ultra-modern styling and performance of its accessory.”

The car cost the dealer ten dollars per day, which included the driver, gas, and oil. The canvas sign cost another ten dollars.



Liberation of Paris

LiberationOfParis

Gen. de Gaulle and entourage set off from the Arc de Triomphe to Notre Dame. Wikipedia photo.

Today marks the 75th anniversary of the Liberation of Paris, August 25, 1944.

Wikipedia image. By Bureau of Printing and Engraving — U.S. Post Office – Arago: people, postage & the post online, National Postal Museum, Public Domain.



How To Cut A Cross With A Single Slice of the Scissors

1944AugPS

I’m sure that even an armchair theologian can come up with a suitable explanation, but if you’re looking for an interesting craft for your Sunday school class or children’s sermon, the one should fit the bill. This explanation of how to cut a cross with a single slice of the scissors appeared in Popular Science 75 years ago this month, August 1944. It works best if the paper you start with is about twice as long as it is wide.