In 1937…

SWH Supply Company was founded in Louisville, Kentucky, and though that in itself was a great event (for us in particular), perhaps the most news worthy event of the year was that of a devastating flood known as The Great Flood of 1937.

SWH Supply Co 1937

SWH Supply Co. corner of Main & Floyd streets

The Ohio River flood of 1937 surpassed all floods of modern history submerging 70% of Louisville (90% of neighboring Jeffersonville, Indiana) and forcing the evacuation of 175,000 residents with damage, in today’s dollars estimated at over $3,300,000,000.00. That’s a lot of zeros, 3.3 billion dollars worth!

Flood of 1937 - Louisville, Kentucky

Louisville, Kentucky, west side, January 27, 1937

Other events of era include:

  • Cartoon characters Daffy Duck, Elmer J Fudd & Petunia Pig, debut
  • 1st US social security payment made
  • 1st commercial flight across Pacific, Pan Am
  • Golden Gate Bridge, SF, dedicated
  • Henry Ford initiates 32 hour work week
  • Joe DiMaggio’s 1st grand slammer
  • Detroit Tigers score 36 runs in double header vs. St Louis Browns
  • 1st NFL game in Washington, DC; Redskins beat NY Giants 13-3
  • Hitler informs his military leader of his intentions of going to war
  • 1st congressional session in air-conditioned chambers

How much did things cost in 1937:

  • Average cost of new house $4,100.00
  • Average wages per year $1,780.00
  • Cost of a gallon of gas 10 cents
  • Average cost for house rent $26.00 per month
  • A loaf of bread 9 cents
  • A pound of hamburger meat 12 cents
  • Average price for new car $760.00
  • Toothpaste 35 cents

Wikipedia on 1937