Weird Universe Archive

December 2021

December 26, 2021

The Dorothy who collected Dorothys

Dorothy Richert collected stories about people named Dorothy. Which meant that, once the news story about her had appeared in the paper, she could collect herself.

She held an unusual belief about her name:

Girls who are named Dorothy, she says, are supposed to have interesting things happen to them or do interesting things. She says that girls named Mary run a close second.

Hmm. That would never have occurred to me. In fact, I could think of only two famous people named Dorothy: Dorothy Parker and Dorothy Sayers. Apparently Faye Dunaway's first name is Dorothy, but I don't think she should count because she's famous as Faye, not Dorothy. There's various lists around the web (here and here) if you want to learn about some other famous Dorothys.

As an Alex, the most famous Alex ever is pretty obvious and, I assume, will never be topped.



Port Huron Times Herald - Mar 12, 1950

Posted By: Alex - Sun Dec 26, 2021 - Comments (4)
Category: Collectors, 1950s

Neandertal Perfume

Smell like a caveman. Their web page.

Posted By: Paul - Sun Dec 26, 2021 - Comments (1)
Category: History, Perfume and Other Scents

December 25, 2021

May all jollity lighten your christmas hours

And may birds with torches not burn down your home.



via Lilly Library, Indiana University

Posted By: Alex - Sat Dec 25, 2021 - Comments (2)
Category: Christmas

To Gladden Hearts and Lighten Labor

Surprise, Honey! Now get to work.

1937 - via Science History Institute

Posted By: Alex - Sat Dec 25, 2021 - Comments (4)
Category: Advertising, Gender, 1930s, Christmas

Merry Christmas 2021!



Have a wonderful holiday!

Posted By: Paul - Sat Dec 25, 2021 - Comments (1)
Category: Holidays, Christmas, Music, Technology, 1970s

December 24, 2021

Miss Christmas Lighting

Long Beach Independent - Dec 8, 1960

Posted By: Alex - Fri Dec 24, 2021 - Comments (2)
Category: Awards, Prizes, Competitions and Contests, 1960s, Christmas

The Mailomat

Very handy for Xmas rush!

Article source: Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California)10 Dec 1939, Sun Page 59

Another good article here, with more pics.






Posted By: Paul - Fri Dec 24, 2021 - Comments (1)
Category: Inventions, Technology, 1930s, 1940s, Postal Services

December 23, 2021

Hanging ‘Satan Claus’

December 1980: The members of the Truth Tabernacle Church in Burlington, NC tried Santa Claus. The charges included "child abuse by urging parents to buy liquor instead of clothing," "lying and saying he is Saint Nicholas," "causing churches to practice Baal religion unknowingly," and "causing ministers to lie about Christ's birthday."

They found Santa — or 'Satan Claus' as they called him — guilty on all charges and hanged him in effigy.



Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer - Dec 19, 1980

Posted By: Alex - Thu Dec 23, 2021 - Comments (7)
Category: Religion, 1980s, Christmas

Mystery Gadget 98

What function is the large and complicated box performing?

Answer is here.

Or after the jump.



More in extended >>

Posted By: Paul - Thu Dec 23, 2021 - Comments (6)
Category: Technology, 1940s

December 22, 2021

Oreo Wine

A limited release from Barefoot Wine. And already sold out.

Chocolate-infused wine, which is essentially what this is, is nothing new. An odd combination, nevertheless.

Posted By: Alex - Wed Dec 22, 2021 - Comments (2)
Category: Chocolate, Junk Food, Alcohol

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Alex is the creator and curator of the Museum of Hoaxes. He's also the author of various weird, non-fiction books such as Elephants on Acid.

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