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On the date

Saturday, December 18, 1920

From the day

Perspective: The Future Historian · Sound

The crackle of KDKA's broadcast hums through the room, a mechanical ghost competing with the rhythmic roar of that heavy new hair dryer my sister insistently aims at her bobbed hair. Outside, the December slush mutes the city’s roar, but the newsboys are shrieking about Mayor Hylan’s latest defense of the police, their voices sharp as the winter wind. I notice a small Band-Aid tucked beneath her beaded silk sleeve, a modern shield against a minor domestic sting. It’s clear she has quite a crush on this new electric age, though I suspect these noisy gadgets are merely the first tremors of a total systemic shift.

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

38,520 days ago

(105 years, 195 days)