1940s
Rocket-Powered Iceboat
Before we leave winter behind entirely, let us ponder this refinement of a cold-weather recreation.
This company had a rich and fascinating aeronautical history which you can read at the link. But surely we afficionados of the weird will want to honor them for creating a rocket-propelled iceboat.
Rocket iceboat can do 250 miles per hour A rocket-propelled iceboat capable of a speed of 250 miles an hour on smooth ice has been designed by Reaction Motors , Inc of America , and tested on frozen Lake Hopatcong New Jersey . The boat weighs 1,648 pounds. Photo shows: The iceboat streaking over Lake Hopatcong piloted by Puck Wellington. It was travelling at 95 miles an hour , rough ice and snow patches made higher speeds dangerous . 7 March 1947
Posted By: Paul - Thu Mar 17, 2022 -
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Category: Death, Oceans and Maritime Pursuits, Technology, 1940s, Outrageous Excess
The Flea Circus
Posted By: Paul - Sun Mar 13, 2022 -
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Category: Insects and Spiders, 1940s, 1950s, Europe, United Kingdom, Circuses, Carnivals, and Other Traveling Shows
Alfred Sohm’s Time-Hiding Clock
Benton Harbor News-Palladium - July 18, 1940
The clock, first of its kind ever to be built, announces the hours by a complicated system of lights, buzzers, chimes, and bells. Its inventor proudly claims that several minutes will be required by the average person to tell from the new clock just what time it is.
While the person is trying to tell the time, he will receive all sorts of other information that is designed to distract his attention and confuse him even further. The revolutionary design of the new instrument is expected by its builder to make "clock watching" a fascinating pursuit.
While the new device is perhaps reminiscent of a Rube Goldberg patent, apparently there is a sound principle behind it. The object is to attract attention and discussion for advertising purposes. Instead of merely glancing at the hands of a clock to get the time, people using this clock will have to ponder a bit, and meanwhile they will be taking in concentrated doses of advertising.
Posted By: Alex - Tue Mar 01, 2022 -
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Category: Technology, Rube Goldberg Devices, Advertising, 1940s
Artwork Khrushchev Probably Would Not Have Liked 42
This series has suddenly become topical!
Posted By: Paul - Thu Feb 24, 2022 -
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Category: Art, Beauty, Ugliness and Other Aesthetic Issues, Dogs, 1930s, 1940s
Ann Frickman, Sharpshooter
During World War II, one of the best rifle shots in the United States was a housewife — Ann Frickman. Remarkably, she hadn't grown up shooting rifles. She first picked up a rifle in her late twenties, and eighteen months later she was beating the Army's top sharpshooters.
San Francisco Examiner - Dec 20, 1942
Pasadena Star News - Feb 24, 1942
Posted By: Alex - Tue Feb 15, 2022 -
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Category: 1940s, Women, Weapons
Mystery Gadget 99
What tha--?Answer is here.
Or after the jump.
More in extended >>
Posted By: Paul - Wed Jan 12, 2022 -
Comments (1)
Category: Technology, 1940s
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 -
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Category: Inventions, Technology, 1930s, 1940s, Postal Services
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
Follies of the Madmen #522
Posted By: Paul - Thu Dec 16, 2021 -
Comments (1)
Category: Anthropomorphism, Body, Hygiene, Advertising, Surrealism, 1940s
Perfume Set to Music
What better way to start the week than with a short six-song album of exotica with a most unlikely title?
Posted By: Paul - Mon Nov 29, 2021 -
Comments (3)
Category: Space-age Bachelor Pad & Exotic, 1940s
| Who We Are |
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| 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 |