Category Archives: 1930s

Supreme Court strikes down key component of FDR’s New Deal 90 years ago today (May 27 1935)


Video: 'Schechter Poultry vs US (1935): US History Review'

(Monday, May 27, 1935; during the Great Depression) — The U.S. Supreme Court today decided Schechter Poultry Corp. v. United States, which held the National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA), a major piece of President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal, unconstitutional (click here for a clip of May 27, 1935, at 28:27 from “American Experience – S07E02 – FDR Parts 3 and 4 (October 12, 1994)).

Babe Ruth hits last three home runs in Pittsburgh 90 years ago today (May 25 1935)


Video: 'May 25 1935 Babe Ruth hits his final 3 homeruns including the last one out of Forbes Field'

(Saturday, May 25, 1935; during the Great Depression) — Babe Ruth, 40, hit his last three career home runs — Nos. 712, 713 and 714 — for the Boston Braves in a game today against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh. Continue reading Babe Ruth hits last three home runs in Pittsburgh 90 years ago today (May 25 1935)

First major league baseball game played at night 90 years ago this hour (May 24 1935)


Video: 'The Story of Nighttime Baseball - Decades TV Network'

(Friday, May 24, 1935, 8:30 p.m. EDT; during the Great Depression) — The first major league baseball game to be played at night took place tonight at Cincinnati’s Crosley Field as the Reds beat the Philadelphia Phillies, 2-1.

Legendary ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ dies six days after motorcycle crash 90 years ago this hour (May 19 1935)


Video: 'TEL' (7 videos)

(Sunday, May 19, 1935, shortly after 8:00 a.m. British Summer Time)T.E. Lawrence, also known as the legendary “Lawrence of Arabia,” died today in Dorset, England, six days after being injured in a motorcycle crash. He was 46.

Rural Electrification Administration (REA) created 90 years ago today (May 11 1935)


Video: 'Rural Electrification Administration Documentary'

(Saturday, May 11, 1935; during the Great Depression) — The Rural Electrification Administration (REA), one of the New Deal agencies started under U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt, was created today with the primary goal of promoting rural electrification.

Works Progress Administration begins operating 90 years ago today (May 6 1935)


Video: 'WPA (Works Progress Administration) - 1937'

(Monday, May 6, 1935; during the Great Depression) — The Works Progress Administration began operating under an executive order signed today by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

‘Soon’ by Bing Crosby with Georgie Stoll and His Orchestra tops debut ‘Your Hit Parade’ weekly music chart 90 years ago this hour (Apr 20 1935)

(Saturday, April 20, 1935, 8:00 p.m. EST) — “Soon” by Bing Crosby With Georgie Stoll and His Orchestra peaked at #1 on today’s debut Your Hit Parade weekly music chart for one week. Continue reading ‘Soon’ by Bing Crosby with Georgie Stoll and His Orchestra tops debut ‘Your Hit Parade’ weekly music chart 90 years ago this hour (Apr 20 1935)

‘Bride of Frankenstein’ premieres in San Francisco 90 years ago this hour (Apr 19 1935)


Video: 'Bride of Frankenstein' (trailer)

(Good Friday, April 19, 1935, 3:00 p.m. PST)Bride of Frankenstein, a horror film about Baron Frankenstein who is forced to tempt fate once again by creating a suitable mate for his monster, premiered today in San Francisco. Continue reading ‘Bride of Frankenstein’ premieres in San Francisco 90 years ago this hour (Apr 19 1935)

‘Fibber McGee and Molly’ comedy radio series debuts 90 years ago this hour (Apr 16 1935)


Video: 'Fibber Mcgee& Molly First Episode 1935'

(Tuesday, April 16, 1935, 10:00 p.m. EST; during the Great Depression) — The long-running radio comedy program Fibber McGee and Molly, starring Jim and Marian Jordan, premiered tonight on the NBC Blue Network.

Severe dust storm crosses central Plains 90 years ago this hour (Apr 14 1935)


Video: 'Black Sunday - Decades TV Network'

(Sunday, April 14, 1935, 4:00 p.m. CST; during the Great Depression) — The “Black Sunday” dust storm descended upon the central Plains this afternoon, turning a sunny afternoon into total darkness. Continue reading Severe dust storm crosses central Plains 90 years ago this hour (Apr 14 1935)