yesterwire.comBack to search

On the date

Tuesday, May 18, 1920

From the day

Perspective: The Future Historian · Tactile

The rough texture of this new Raggedy Andy doll grates against my skin as I wait, but my eyes remain fixed on the crackling vacuum tube of the KDKA broadcast. I adjust my cheaters, squinting at the legislators’ continued refusal to grant the vote despite the silk-clad du Ponts pleading their case. The air in the parlor smells of singed ozone from the heavy metal hair dryer, a stark contrast to the sticky adhesive of a fresh Band-Aid on my thumb. I pull my rayon shift straight, feeling the shift in history’s tide through the hum of the wireless.

Memories from that day

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

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

38,734 days ago

(106 years, 44 days)