WAY BACK WHEN, 100 years ago today, on October 26 1918, the local paper reminded people to turn back their clocks. Daylight Saving Time had begun in the United States in March 1918 for the first time when folks set their clocks ahead. Now people were being reminded that it was time to change their clocks again. Although this was the first year for "spring ahead; fall back," there were no more disruptions than we experience today.
Movies & Million-Dollar Mansions, Behind the Scenes at the "Flying A," & Silents on the Islands
Way Back When in Santa Barbara -- October 20, 1918
WAY BACK WHEN, 100 years ago today, on October 20, 1918, the Lockheed/Loughead brothers of Santa Barbara announced their plans to fly their F-1A plane from Santa Barbara to Washington, D.C. They had set a record in April when they flew their seaplane from here to San Diego, and had high hopes for this next trip. [Spoiler alert - this new venture did not end well. More info will be coming in "Way Back When: Santa Barbara in 1918."]
Way Back When in Santa Barbara -- October 14, 1918
Way Back When, 100 years ago today on October 14, 1918, the dreaded Spanish Influenza pandemic hit Santa Barbara. As if the telegrams arriving with news of local boys dying in the war in Europe were not bad enough, now we were battling the flu here at home. I'll be giving a talk about the flu and WWI called "Countdown to Armistice" at the Goleta Historical Society on Sunday, Nov. 4 at 3 p.m., and at the SB Central Library on Sunday, Nov. 11 at 2 p.m. (Both the flu and the war will be part of my "Way Back When: Santa Barbara in 1918" book to be released soon.)
Way Back When in Santa Barbara -- October 4, 1918
WAY BACK WHEN, 100 years ago today, on October 4, 1918, boys at Santa Barbara High School who had signed up for the quasi-military cadet corps were being taught how to throw hand grenades! Fortunately, they were not practicing with live ammo. The cadets were told to gather "rocks about the size of large goose eggs. As soon as the cadets bring enough of these rocks … [they will learn] the principles of hand grenade work." Yikes!
Way Back When in Santa Barbara -- October 1, 1918
WAY BACK WHEN, 100 years ago today, on October 1, 1918, the local paper in Santa Barbara had the headline: "You Can't Build Without Uncle Sam's O.K." The subhead explained, "War Industries Board's Permit Required Before Any House Can be Erected." Folks in Santa Barbara and around the country could look at plans and dream about building a home, but they had to wait until the war was over to build their dream home.