Category: Uncategorized

Grand Central’s Fly-On-The-Wall (Or Technically, the Ceiling)

On By Bookworm HistoryIn Uncategorized4 Comments

Arguably one of the most famous ceilings in the world, the mural high above Grand Central Terminal’s main concourse is as fascinating as it is awe-inspiring.  While much has been written about it (yes, it is mostly backwards and no, no one’s really sure why Orion’s turned the way he is) one detail that seems to be overlooked is in hidden in plain sight, the proverbial fly-on-the-wall.  Or in this case, a fly on the ceiling.

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“The Night the Bed Fell” by James Thurber

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Happy New Year, folks!  I’ve had a fantastic time this past year putting together all the videos and articles here and as a way to celebrate I thought I’d relax a little and share with you one of my favorite short stories.  When I was little my mother would read this to me and to this day it never fails to make me smile.  I hope you enjoy it!  Just click on the title card below to watch.

If you have any ideas for topics you’d like to discuss or other stories to read in the new year leave them in the comments!

And, as always, thanks for stopping by!  I hope you all have a safe, happy, and healthy 2016!

%22The Night the Bed Fell%22

Nellie Bly: The Board Game

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Thanks to a new Google Doodle the internet is all abuzz with talk of Elizabeth Cochrane.  Born 151 years ago today, Cochrane, better known as Nellie Bly, was many things.  Investigative journalist.  Author.  World traveler.  Record breaker.  She was also something that is largely forgotten: a board game.

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The game was released in 1890 to capitalize on Bly’s recent “Round-the-world” trip, which she accomplished in a record-breaking 72 days.  The board design was first printed in black and white on the front page of the New York World, the newspaper that Bly wrote for and the one who sponsored her trip.  The full game was produced by McLoughlin Bros., a Brooklyn-based game manufacturer famous for their fun and colorful sets.

For more about Nellie Bly and her record-breaking race around the world (yes, she was racing another woman although she didn’t find out about it until she was halfway home) check out “Eighty Days” by Matthew Goodman.