yesterwire.comBack to search

On the date

Saturday, April 17, 1920

From the day

Perspective: The Future Historian · Sound

The rhythmic static of the new commercial radio bands competes with the shrill whistle of a passing Stutz Bearcat, a machine now at the center of a financial storm as newsboys scream that Ryan calls upon shorts to deliver loaned Stutz stock. The Exchange’s cry of a "corner" echoes through the grime of the street, yet the speculators merely grin, their pockets heavy enough to buy a lifetime of giggle water despite the threat of a thousand-dollar share price. I watch a woman in a beaded rayon dress adjust her cloche hat, oblivious to the "hypocrisy" Ryan hurls at the governors, her mind likely on the soft melody of "Whispering" drifting from a nearby window. Silk-stockinged heels click against the pavement, a delicate cadence masking the structural tremors of a market where paper fortunes are being summoned like ghosts before Monday’s deadline.

Memories from that day

No memories yet. Add yours if you remember this day.

The Headlines

RYAN CALLS UPON SHORTS TO DELIVER LOANED STUTZ STOCK; Declared He Would Force Up Price if Stock Was Banned, Stock Exchange Asserts. CHARGE OF CORNER REVIVED No Price Set by Ryan, but Exchange Says He Threatenedto Force $1,000 a Share.LOANED STOCK DUE MONDAYStatements from Both Sides--Mr.Ryan Accuses the Exchangeof " Hypocrisy."

Read in The New York Times →

Best-selling Sheet Music

Whispering

John Schonberger

The must-have

Raggedy Andy

Slang

Slang of the decade

General

applesaucebaloneycheaterscrush

Flapper

bee's kneescat's pajamasgiggle watershebahotsy-totsy

Gangster

big cheesebump offstool pigeongatfall guy

Catchphrases of 1920

  • Return to normalcy

Tech Check

Commercial Radio Stations (KDKA), Hair Dryer & Band-Aid.

Style of 1920

Silhouette: Straight and drop-waisted (Flapper)

Material: Beaded silk and rayon

  • Bobbed hair
  • Cloche hats
  • T-strap heels

Cost of Living (1920)

Loaf of Bread

$0.11

Gallon of Gas

$0.30

Average Home

$6,296

New Car

$575

Meanwhile

  • Post-WWI RecessionSevere deflation and collapse of agricultural prices.

Time Elapsed

38,765 days ago

(106 years, 75 days)