1908: Cubs win World Series, Cellophane is invented
It's time to give the perspective to the words "The Cubs last won a World Series in 1908."
In 1908 ...
Pilot Orville Wright's plane crashes during a demonstration flight on Sept. 17, 1908 at a military installation in Fort Meyer, Va. On board was Army observer Lt. Thomas E. Selfridge, who died from his injuries, making him the first fatality of a military airplane crash. (see AP photo at right)
Cellophane was invented.
The Boys Scouts of Britain were founded (America would wait two more years).
The Dow Jones closed the year at 86.15, up nearly 30 points from the previous year.
90% of the horsepower on English and Welsh farms came from horses.
Pat Garrett, killer of Billy the Kid, was himself was shot and killed.
First Gideon Bible put in a hotel room.
Jack Johnson won the heavyweight title.
The FBI was established (and immediately began investigating Jack Johnson?).
Petroleum production begins in the Middle East.
Mother's Day was observed for the first time.
A brand new song becomes an immediate hit: "Take Me Out To The Ball Game."
... and 6,210 fans showed up to see the Cubs beat the Detroit Tigers in Game Five to win the World Series.
-- Chris Foster
