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. 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!
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