Obscure American History for the week of 2/16

Feb 16, 1868 - the Jolly Corks, a social group created to work around New York City laws about when pubs and bars could open, changed their name. Mascots were suggested, and though it was a close vote, the Buffalo lost, creating the order we know today as The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Current membership guidelines: You need to be a US Citizen over the age of 21 who believes in God.

Feb 17, 1933 - Prohibition was repealed with the passing of the Blaine Act. No more secretly carrying alcohol around in fear of the police! Unless you live in Isla Vista, anyway.


Feb 18, 1930 - Elm Farm Ollie, an ‘unusually productive’ cow who required three milkings per day went down in history as the first cow to fly in an airplane. On the 72-mile flight from Bismarck, Missouri, to St. Louis, Ollie was also milked in the air, producing 24 quarts of milk.



Feb 19, 1988 - Banjo player, yodeler, singer, and professional curmudgeon “Grandpa” Jones dies at the age of 84 in Nashville. Known for songs such as ‘T for Texas’ and ‘Mountain Dew,’ he became a regular at the Grand Ole Opry, and later a cast member on Hee-Haw. It’s also worth noting his moustache, to which I give the rating of ‘majestic.’



Feb 20, 1931- The plan was approved by Congress to build a bridge from San Francisco to Oakland. Today we know it as ‘The San Francisco Bay Bridge,’ though its real name is the ‘James Rolph Bridge.’
This history isn’t that odd, but I mention it because Emperor Norton I, Emperor of these United States and Protector of Mexico, made a decree that this bridge be built in 1872. Took them long enough.


Feb 21, 1937 - Waldo Waterman’s flying car, the ‘Aerobile,’ took its first flight. It had a wingspan of 38 feet, and was 20 feet long. Really cool? Yes. Practical? Try again, Waldo.




Feb 22, 1879 - Frank Woolworth opens the first Woolworth’s Five and Dime’s. My generation knows these stores as that reference that makes no sense in Christmas songs.