Firsts Reconsidered as Kane Debunks Historic Claims
Ira Berkow profiles Joseph Nathan Kane, debunking long held firsts from Paul Revere to the Wright brothers. Kane argues many so-called firsts were seconds or thirds, driven by publicity, luck and better press. He cites famous examples and notes his research path through archives.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Henry Ford
Oliver Evans
Alexander Graham Bell
Alfred Vail
Orville
Wilbur Wright
Gustav Whitehead
Marconi
Fessenden
Howe
Walter Hunt
Americas
Joseph Nathan Kane
Joe Kane
Ace
New York City
Enterprise
Ala
Hudson River
Manhattan
Joe
Paul Revere
Dawes
Prescott
Revere Revere
Longfellow
America
Wright Brothers
Kitty Hawk
Robert Fulton
Schuykill
Hudson Rivers
Kane on first facts and endless quest for invention history
Ira Berkow details Kane’s 1928 start on a book about American inventions. He shifted to collecting “first facts,” a six month project stretching to 49 years, with cartons of source material and a lifelong obsession that Horton Kane believes matters beyond personal gain.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Elias Howe
Henry Ford
Wright Brothers
Kane
Democratic candidates and Taft Hartley through Truman era
Don Oakley notes that every Democratic nominee from 1948 to Truman has opposed Taft Hartley though none seeks full repeal today. He recalls Truman invoking the nine day cooling off rule during a major strike and observes that the union movement has adapted and finds some uses for the act.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Akley
Harry Truman
Toto
Truman
Right to Work debate and Taft Hartley Section 14b
The article surveys state Right to Work laws, noting 19 states ban compulsory union membership and 32 bar forced unionization in public jobs. It argues repeal should reflect individual rights, allowing workers to decide on union membership without coercion while recognizing broader labor freedom.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Organized Labor
Carter
Houges
Taft-Hartley
Rumor Spread After San Francisco Earthquake 1906
L M Boyd notes two phony national stories after the April 18 quake. One claimed zoo animals escaped to harm refugees in Golden Gate Park. the other alleged vigilantes found men with women’s fingers. He jokes about arm length and waist measurements, cites facial allergy talk linked to colognes, and mentions Irish cuisine.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
San Francisco
Golden Gate Park
Nuclear power balance debated by Ray Cromley
Washington columnist Ray Cromley argues Californians rejected hog tying nuclear power and outlines a cautious path. He notes safety, waste disposal, and plutonium risks remain, urges strong regulations, expanded safety research, and practical energy alternatives while acknowledging oil dependence.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ray Cromley
Washington
NEA
Ralph Nader
Butz urges palm oil cutbacks to aid U.S. soy demand
Secretary Earl Butz, returning from the Far East, urged Indonesia and Malaysia to slow new oil palm plantings and to divert more palm oil for home use while reducing exports to the United States. Palm oil, a highly productive rival to soy oil, threatens U.S. soybean farmers as imports could more than double by 1985, displacing half a million acres of soybeans annually.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Washington
Earl Butz
Secretary of Agriculture
Far East
Indonesia
Malaysia
United States
Africa
World Bank
Asian Bank
Department of Agriculture
Congress
Farth
Third World
Public forum calls for more law enforcement in Taylor County
Letter urges increased sheriff road deputies due to under staffing. Describes night shifts, weekend coverage, and local incidents in Middleville Corbin Branch area including robberies, vandalism, break ins, vehicle stops, and teen drinking. Petitions planned to county commission and officials to demand policing rights and protection.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Taylor County
Middleville
Corbin Branch
Sheriff's Office
CETA
Also Mentioned on This Page
Ira Berkow
Steam Auto
Ford
Don Oakley
Berry's
THE
Mountain Statesman
Gratton
Main Street
Daily Sentinel
Schitter
RJ. Cooper
RB. Bowers
L. Hussier
R. Landor
Carpenter
Taylor and Accounties
W. Main St
Gratton, WV
Ner Ane
L.M. Boyd
Ireland
Fcto
Butz
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