BETA
Chapter 1
Quirky beginnings of a new nation
Chapter 2
White House pets and presidential antics
Chapter 3
Bizarre inventions and industrial oddities
Chapter 4
Pop culture fads and historical hysteria
YOUR GOAL
Master of Two centuries of American quirks
Ch 3 · Bizarre inventions and industrial oddities
dave Match the brilliant idea to its blunder to uncover America's funniest historical moments.
dave Bizarre inventions and industrial oddities
Back in 1903, A peculiar scene: A dog on a treadmill, Made laundry gleam!
dave In 1939, an inventor designed a family bicycle equipped with a built-in sewing machine.
Fun Fact
Silly Putty origin: Silly Putty was invented by accident during World War II when scientists tried to create a synthetic rubber substitute using silicone.
Glossary
patent (noun)
A government document securing an inventor the exclusive right to make, use, or sell an invention. In 1890, William Hellings patented a metal guard to keep a user's mustache out of food.
A government document securing an inventor the exclusive right to make, use, or sell an invention. In 1890, William Hellings patented a metal guard to keep a user's mustache out of food.
Quiz
The 1939 'Goofy Bike' featured which unusual household appliance built directly into its frame?
Quiz
What radioactive ingredient was sold as a healthy energy drink called Radithor in the 1920s?
Quiz
What did Albert L. Jones patent in 1871 that revolutionized shipping fragile items worldwide?
Quiz
What popular toy was accidentally invented during World War II while searching for a synthetic rubber?
Quiz
In 1896, which American railroad company staged a deliberate, head-on train collision as a paid spectator event?
Quiz
In the late 1800s, what did the US Post Office briefly try using to deliver mail in the rocky American Southwest?