The first typewriter patented in America was called, “Burt’s Family Letter Press.”
Category: American History
San Francisco’s First Streetcars
One of the first streetcars in San Francisco was made to look like a horse, so its high speed of eight miles per hour and noisy characteristics would not frighten horses pulling carriages and carts.
Colombian Exhibition
During the summer of 1893 Chicago hosted a large fair called the Colombian Exhibition. There were approximately 75 million Americans then, and one out of every three Americans visited that exhibition.
The world’s first Ferris wheel was built in Chicago for the Colombian Exposition in 1893. Modern Ferris wheels are just little-bitty things compared to that one. It was taller than 20 men standing on each other’s shoulders (as tall as a 10-story building) and each “chair” was a coach that could hold 40 people. Between May 1 and November 1, 27 million people were treated to wonderful displays of modern science at the exposition such as brilliant electric night lighting by George Westinghouse and Nikola Tesla.
Bushnell’s Turtle
In the mid 1770’s David Bushnell, an inventive guy, created the world’s first attack submarine. Using whiskey barrel technology, he made a watertight clam shell shaped vehicle with barely enough room for one man. The thing, nicknamed the Turtle, was placed in New York Harbor one night Continue reading Bushnell’s Turtle
Philadelphia Population
By 1790, the population of Philadelphia, the largest city in America, had grown to 42,444.
By comparison, the current population New York City, now the largest city in the United States, is 8.48 million.
Philadelphia skyline
Carrie Nation
After marrying a promising young physician in 1867, Carrie Nation (also known as Carry Nation) was horrified to see her husband destroy his career and his life after only two years. He drank himself to death. Mrs. Nation was so angry and disgusted with alcohol that she smashed up over 30 drinking establishments. This fearsome looking nearly six-foot-tall, 175 pound woman would enter a bar with such frenzy that all the male patrons ran in fright. She busted all the bottles and much of the furniture with rocks, bricks and a hatchet.
Public domain via Wikimedia Commons.
Kanawha
There used to be a state in America named Kanawha. It was later renamed West Virginia.
Taverns in New York
In 1637, one out of every four shops in New York City were taverns.
Crayons
Sometimes people with great ideas get caught up too soon in varieties and options. If you have a great idea, consider letting it stand on its own initially.
For the first 19 years Crayola Crayons were produced, they came in only one color – black.
Marijuana, Cash Crop
In the early 1800s, marijuana was Kentucky’s number one crop. It was legal then. People did not smoke it. Marijuana was used for its fiber, called hemp, which was used in ships’ sails, rope, twine, paper and canvas.
Most books made before 1875 were made of marijuana, not paper.
Stay Awake in Church!
The American Pilgrims had a unique gadget that was used in church to keep members of the congregation awake. It was a wooden ball on a string. It was used to bop people on the head who were drifting off during the seven-hour-long sermons.
Thanksgiving
Served at the first Thanksgiving meal in 1621 were lobster, roasted pigeon, eel, stuffed cod, turkeys, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, popcorn and cranberry sauce. But, it was not a dinner. There were 92 native Americans at this breakfast.
American Pilgrims
The Pilgrims would have sailed beyond Plymouth Rock, but their beer was all used up
Charles Lindbergh, Not First To Fly Over the Atlantic
Charles Lindbergh was not the first person to fly non-stop over the Atlantic Ocean. He was the sixty-seventh. He was, however, the first to do it solo.
7-Up Illustrates Power of Product Naming and Placement
See also
Soft Drinks.
This Drummer is at the Wrong Gig.
There’s power in names. What would happen if you come up with a catchy name for your product or service?
7-Up was originally called Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda when it was invented in 1929. The drink probably didn’t sell well until it was renamed. The first rename was “7-Up Lithiated Lemon Soda.” The 7 is for the original size – 7 ounces – and the Up was for “bottoms up.”
The first advertising slogan for 7-Up was, “It takes the ouch out of grouch.”
That slogan probably didn’t help sales much, but the experiment was valid. Keep trying new things and don’t be surprised if you have a sudden breakthrough.
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The original formula of 7-Up contained lithium citrate, a mood-stabilizing drug. It was removed in 1948.
Unlike many other soft drinks that have undergone significant flavor alterations over the years, the taste of 7-Up has remained relatively consistent.
Fido Dido: 7-Up briefly used a mascot named Fido Dido in the late 1980s and early 1990s, a quirky character known for his laid-back attitude.
Clear Cola Craze: During the 1990s “clear cola” craze, 7-Up introduced a clear version of their soda called “7-Up Ice Cola,” but it was discontinued shortly after.
Natural Flavors: 7-Up boasts of using natural flavors, which gives it a distinctive taste compared to other lemon-lime sodas.
No Caffeine Jolt: While some soft drinks provide a caffeine boost, 7-Up offers a more mellow experience due to its lack of caffeine.
Global Presence: 7-Up is sold in more than 100 countries worldwide, making it one of the most widely distributed soft drinks.
Limited Edition Flavors: Over the years, 7-Up has released limited edition flavors, including cherry, pomegranate, and holiday-themed varieties.
Formula Changes: Like many sodas, 7-Up has undergone formula changes over the years to adapt to changing consumer preferences and regulations.
Health Concerns: Like other sugary beverages, regular consumption of 7-Up has been linked to health concerns such as obesity, diabetes and tooth decay.
Citrus Base: The lemon-lime flavor of 7-Up comes from a blend of citrus oils extracted from lemon and lime peels.
Popular Mixer for Mocktails: 7-Up is often used in non-alcoholic cocktails or “mocktails” to add fizz and sweetness without the alcohol.
Variants Around the World: In different countries, 7-Up may have unique flavors or variations tailored to local tastes.
Association with Christmas: In some regions, 7-Up has become associated with the Christmas season, often mixed with cranberry juice or used in holiday punch recipes.
Nostalgic Appeal: For many consumers, 7-Up holds nostalgic value, evoking memories of childhood parties, family gatherings, and refreshing moments shared with loved ones.
