Browsing: Science & Technology

A Brief History On this day, July 6, 1893, the town of Pomeroy, Iowa, was almost completely destroyed by a massive tornado! Digging Deeper Named for landowner and congressman Charles W. Pomeroy (September 3, 1825 – February 11, 1891), the town’s history dates back to at least the 1870s when a railroad was planned to be built through the Iowa settlement.  As the town’s official website notes, this railroad “bridged the gap between small rural towns and larger cities” by taking “passengers to Fort Dodge and” hauling “cattle to Chicago.” After a couple decades of prosperity, tragedy descended upon the town on July 6, 1893.  In the heat…

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A Brief History On May 30, 1914, the British ocean liner RMS Aquitania made her maiden voyage.  Larger than the Titanic, this giant was known as “Ship Beautiful” for self-descriptive reasons.  Serving in both World Wars, she was the last of the great 4-funnel (as smokestacks were called) liners and was the longest serving liner in history until surpassed by the Queen Elizabeth II.  Obviously famous in her day, the Aquitania is not well remembered, unlike the other 10 ships we list here whose fame has stood the test of time.  Apologies to the HMS Victory, the USS Arizona, the USS Missouri, the USS…

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A Brief History On May 5, 1809, Mary Kies became the first woman granted a US patent. She had invented a process for weaving straw with silk and thread. Over the years women have showed ingenuity and we would like to tell you about 10 of them.  Honorary Mention: Eve, The Headache, Day 6. Not only did she invent how to get one, but how to give one as well!) Digging Deeper 10. Mellitta Bentz, Paper Coffee Filter (1908). Ever notice the name brand Mellitta on coffee filters in the store? Now you know where it came from. 9. Marie…

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A Brief History On April 1, 1984, three suburban Cleveland young men started a business that would become “The Aquarium Superstore!” Digging Deeper Robert, Mike, and Steve worked together to create RMS Aquaculture, putting their passion for tropical fish into a level above just a hobby. Initially using their expertise to breed and raise various tropical fish, the young entrepreneurs initially filled their parents’ basements with rows of fish tanks.  Successfully producing thousands of baby fish, RMS found ready buyers in local pet stores.  This initial success meant having to move to more substantial quarters, and an abandoned greenhouse complex…

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A Brief History Earlier today, we showcased an article on the first Automatic Street Light, but did you know that this invention was just one of many invented by brilliant Ohioans?  So, let us list 10 famous inventions by Ohioans. Digging Deeper 10. Safety Hood type Gas Mask (1912) Garett Morgan was born in Kentucky of former slaves, but lived in Ohio after age 14.  His device saved many lives of firefighters and miners, and was the basis for the gas masks of World War I.  He also invented hair care products and a successful traffic control signal.  Because of…

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