Tag Archives: inventions

4 Tidbits About Telephone Switchboards: The Lines Connecting History

Before the dawn of our digital age, telephone switchboards stood at the forefront of communication technology. These seemingly archaic contraptions played a pivotal role in connecting voices from coast to coast, city to town, and house to house. Dive into some fascinating facts that highlight the evolution and tales of these manual marvels. 1. Switching… Read More »

WTF Fun Fact 13507 – Fifth Wheel for Parallel Parking

In the 1930s, the fifth wheel for parallel parking was an ingenious invention. But it never caught on. Click to read the full fact. The post WTF Fun Fact 13507 – Fifth Wheel for Parallel Parking appeared first on WTF Fun Facts. Source

The Wacky World of Vintage Vending Machines

In 1931, vending machines experienced a unique innovation when they began selling single lighted cigarettes to customers. These machines provided a convenient way for individuals to purchase just one lit cigarette at a time, offering an on-the-go smoking experience. While there have been numerous unusual and bizarre vending machines throughout history, one of the craziest… Read More »

Wright Brothers: Bridging Ohio and North Carolina in Aviation History

The Wright Brothers, Orville and Wilbur, were American inventors and pioneers in aviation. They owned a bicycle shop in Dayton, Ohio, where they developed their mechanical skills and funded their aeronautical pursuits. In 1903, they achieved their historic milestone with the Wright Flyer, a biplane that completed a 12-second, 120-foot flight. The Wright Brothers’ invention… Read More »

Josephine Cochrane: The Inventor of the Dishwasher

Josephine Cochrane was motivated to invent the dishwasher after growing frustrated with her expensive china breaking while being washed by hand. In 1886, she designed and built the first practical dishwasher, which used water pressure to clean dishes more efficiently than hand washing. Cochrane’s invention was initially marketed towards commercial establishments but later became popular… Read More »

The first public toilet

George Jennings created the public toilet which was first unveiled at the Great Exhibition in 1851. It was available for use at the cost of one penny, and this led to the popularization of the phrase “To spend a penny” as a euphemism for using the toilet in the United Kingdom. During the exhibition, the… Read More »