1950s
The Hope Diamond
But you don't seem to hear about it so much anymore.
For a quick rundown of the tale, visit this site, or check out the Wikipedia entry.
But surely one of the weirdest facts connected with the gem is that it was once sent through the US Mail!
Henry “Harry” Winston, a leading American jeweler and gem dealer, bought the diamond from Mrs. McLean’s estate in 1949. In November 1958 Winston donated the diamond to the Smithsonian Institution, intending it to be the foundation for a National Jewel Collection. With his years of experience in shipping jewelry all over the world, Winston chose to have the diamond delivered by registered mail. He told a reporter for the Washington Post that “ . . . [registered mail is] the safest way to ship gems. . . . I’ve sent gems all over the world that way.”
Just a thought about that curse: since 1958, the Hope Diamond has been owned, in a manner of speaking, by the whole nation. If one chooses to date America's hard times--the end of some mythical Golden Age--from roughly that period, could it be said that the curse is still operative?
Why not sell the Hope Diamond to a rich oil shiek, use the money to help relieve the deficit, and see what happens?
Posted By: Paul - Fri Dec 12, 2008 -
Comments (1)
Category: Museums, 1950s, Natural Wonders, Curses, Postal Services
From the Ground Up
Posted By: Paul - Sat Dec 06, 2008 -
Comments (0)
Category: Agriculture, Business, Products, Nutrition, Documentaries, 1950s
Follies of the Mad Men #48
"And they come with matching panties, as you can plainly see!"
Posted By: Paul - Mon Dec 01, 2008 -
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Category: Business, Advertising, Fashion, Shoes, Teenagers, 1950s
Curfew Breakers, or, Hooked
If you decide, after viewing the CURFEW BREAKERS clip, to rent this film, you'll have to look for it on DVD under its alternate title, HOOKED. It's a glorious mess, but not quite as outrageously stupid or weird as some of its ilk.
Posted By: Paul - Fri Nov 28, 2008 -
Comments (1)
Category: Cops, Drugs, Education, Family, Juvenile Delinquency, Inebriation and Intoxicants, Movies, 1950s
A Day of Thanksgiving
Posted By: Paul - Wed Nov 26, 2008 -
Comments (1)
Category: Family, Food, Holidays, Money, Documentaries, 1950s
Follies of the Mad Men #46
"Dig this crazy mixed-up ice cream!" "Man, it's real cool!"
Yeah, because beatniks like Maynard G. Krebs eat a lot of ice cream!
Posted By: Paul - Thu Nov 20, 2008 -
Comments (12)
Category: Business, Advertising, Products, Fads, Food, Pop Culture, 1950s
Vision in the Forest
More proof that one line-item in the Forest Service budget was devoted to extra-potent hallucinogens.
Posted By: Paul - Tue Nov 18, 2008 -
Comments (3)
Category: Government, Nature, Documentaries, 1950s, Fictional Monsters
Boy With A Knife
Experience the juvie lifestyle!
Posted By: Paul - Wed Nov 05, 2008 -
Comments (4)
Category: Family, Children, Juvenile Delinquency, Parents, Movies, Documentaries, 1950s
Happy Halloween!
What's weird about this cartoon?Answer after the jump!
More in extended >>
Posted By: Paul - Fri Oct 31, 2008 -
Comments (10)
Category: Paranormal, Cartoons, 1950s, Halloween
Going Steady
Any WU readers confused about "going steady" will certainly benefit from watching this video.
Posted By: Paul - Wed Oct 29, 2008 -
Comments (4)
Category: Education, Family, Movies, Documentaries, Sexuality, 1950s
| Who We Are |
|---|
| Alex Boese Alex is the creator and curator of the Museum of Hoaxes. He's also the author of various weird, non-fiction, science-themed books such as Elephants on Acid and Psychedelic Apes. Paul Di Filippo Paul has been paid to put weird ideas into fictional form for over thirty years, in his career as a noted science fiction writer. He has recently begun blogging on many curious topics with three fellow writers at The Inferior 4+1. Contact Us |