🧠 Inventions of 1932
Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
1 
FM Radio Transmission
2 
Wind Tunnel Balance
3 
Automatic Washing Machine
4 
Fluorescent Lighting Principles
5 
Artificial Silk Improvements
6 
Mechanical Calculator Enhancements
7 
Oscilloscope Improvements
8 
Self-Contained Scuba Apparatus Prototype
9 
Infrared Photography
10 
Portable Electric Drill
The Sounds of
The biggest hits of the year — Top 10 Pop & Country chart toppers
HEADLINES ON May 18, 1932
Full News Archive
- Headline: Postponed Decision on Japan's Cabinet. Impact: Had the army not intervened, Japan might have embraced democracy earlier, leading to a much less interesting World War II. I mean, who doesn’t love a good military coup instead of a boring parliamentary debate?. Fact: Did you know that Japan's cabinet decisions could sometimes be influenced by the weather? Talk about a change in climate!.
- Headline: JEWISH SCHOOL AID ASKED.; Dr. A.M. Dushkin Condemns Shift- ing of Burdens to Teachers.. Impact: The plea for aid sparked a broader awareness of educational funding, which eventually led to the establishment of various scholarship programs—because nothing says ‘support’ like a few bucks thrown your way!. Fact: Did you know that teachers often have their own secret currency? It’s called ‘extra credit’ and is worth more than gold in student negotiations..
- Headline: CANAL TOLLS STILL FALL.; Panama Traffic Declined a Ship a Day In May Compared With April.. Impact: The declining tolls hinted at economic shifts that would eventually lead to the Panama Canal becoming a hot tourist destination—who knew toll booths could be such a great vacation spot?. Fact: Did you know that the Panama Canal is the only place where you can pay to get stuck in traffic while sailing?.
- Headline: HEADS ELIZABETH TRUST CO; C.H. Meredith Elected President, Succeeding J.J. Stamler.. Impact: Meredith's election marked a pivotal moment for trust companies, leading to a future where people could trust their banks about as much as they trust a cat to stay off the counter.. Fact: Did you know that being elected president of a trust company is like being voted 'Most Likely to Succeed' in high school? It sounds great, but the reality might be a bit different..
Wall Street Time Machine
The Right Call: If you'd invested $1,000 in any one of these companies in 1932, here's what it would be worth in 2025.
Rank #1
CVX
Chevron
Price in 1932
$0.31
Value in 2025
$474,914
Chevron - If you invested $1,000 in 1932, it would be worth $474,914 today (474.9x return)
Rank #2
GE
General Electric
Price in 1932
$0.62
Value in 2025
$487,500
General Electric - If you invested $1,000 in 1932, it would be worth $487,500 today (487.5x return)
🦸 Top 5 Comics
The Funnies #2
$95
Yon Yonson #1
$100
Western Picture Stories #1
$400
Detective Dan: Secret Operative #1
$150
Chic Young’S Dumb Dora #1
$300
🧸 Top 5 Toys
Mickey Mouse Doll
$150.00
Lincoln Logs
$140.00
Tinkertoy
$150.00
Buddy L Steel Trucks
$800.00
Yo-Yo
$1,350.00
⚾ Top 5 Trading Cards
Sonja Henie Ice Skating Card
$250,000
Walter Hagen Golf Card
$10,000
Amos 'N' Andy Parade Stamp Album Card
$250
British & Dominion Film Stars Card
$1,103.30
Famous Ships And How To Build Them - Cut Out Card
$1,300