Notable 1920s Headlines
In addition to being a time of flappers, prohibition, and economic success, the 1920s were also a time of incredibly bizarre newspaper headlines. The weird news articles from a century ago show a world that is both curiously familiar and completely alien, while today’s clickbait may make you roll your eyes.
Here are fifteen eye-opening headlines from Roaring Twenties newspapers that showcase just how bizarre that era could be.
Woman Hiccups for 59 Days Straight
In 1923, newspapers quietly reported the strange case of a woman plagued by two months of non-stop hiccups. Doctors tried everything—upside-down water drinking, jump scares, folk remedies—but nothing worked. Then, just as mysteriously as it began, it stopped.
Anti-Flirt Club Launches War on Motorists
Fed up with flirty drivers harassing women on the streets, ten young women in Washington, D.C. formed the “Anti-Flirt Club” in early 1923. Their mission? Protect female pedestrians from unwanted attention. They even launched “Anti-Flirt Week” to raise awareness and issued guidelines to avoid suspicious suitors.
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Man Lives Normal Life Despite Sleeping Only 2 Hours Nightly
In 1925, doctors were baffled by a man who claimed—and proved—he thrived on just two hours of sleep a night. After extensive observation, he showed no ill effects and boasted enviable productivity. The rest of the country promptly reconsidered their naps.
Woman Marries Her Hat After Lengthy Courtship
A 1924 headline caused an uproar when it revealed a woman had married her favorite hat. The elaborate ceremony turned out to be performance art—a dramatic commentary on consumerism in post-war America.
Horse Appointed to School Board in Rural Township
In 1926, a clerical error led to a horse named “Old Dobbin” being appointed to a local school board. It was meant as a joke write-in, but vote counters mistakenly logged it as real. Fortunately, the error was caught before Dobbin had to review budgets.
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Boy Raises Wild Wolf as House Pet – Neighbors Concerned
A teenager in 1928 raised a timber wolf as a pet, insisting it was as friendly as any dog. Neighbors and local farmers weren’t so sure, especially when livestock started acting nervous.
Egyptian Mummy Curse Claims Sixth Victim – Archaeologists Nervous
Following the 1922 opening of King Tut’s tomb, newspapers tracked a “mummy’s curse” that allegedly struck down six members of the expedition by 1924. Though scientists dismissed the claims, fear of ancient revenge persisted.
Man Constructs Radio to Contact Departed Spirits
In 1926, a man claimed to invent a “ghost radio” that let the living speak to the dead. A private demonstration supposedly produced real responses—then the inventor mysteriously disappeared, along with his investors’ money.
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Woman’s Hair Turns Completely White After Theatrical Fright
In 1927, a woman’s hair allegedly turned pure white overnight after witnessing a terrifying stage show. Doctors were skeptical, but the theater welcomed the headline as free publicity—and promised more “hair-raising” performances.
Monkey Gland Surgery Promises Youth Restoration for Wealthy
In a bizarre quest for youth, wealthy men in the 1920s underwent “monkey gland” surgeries—where monkey tissue was implanted in their bodies. The procedure was scientifically dubious, but demand remained strong among the desperate and delusional.
Child Prodigy Solves Mathematical Problem Baffling Scientists
In 1929, a 7-year-old math genius solved a problem that had puzzled experts for decades. Turns out, he found a workaround that avoided the hardest parts—but it still worked, and that was enough for a moment of fame.
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Woman Lives in Tree for Three Months to Win Bizarre Wager
In 1924, a woman spent an entire summer living in a tree to win a bet. Her treetop abode included a bed and cooking gear hoisted up by rope. The wager earned her cash—and headlines.
Man Claims to Have Counted to One Million – Takes 3 Years
A retired accountant made news in 1927 for a feat of numerical endurance: he counted to one million. It took three years, eight hours a day, with breaks only for meals and sleep. By the end, his sanity was… questionable.
Sleepwalker Found 30 Miles From Home With No Memory
In 1925, a sleepwalker woke up 30 miles from his home with no memory of the journey. He’d crossed rivers and rocky terrain without waking once. Doctors debated whether such a feat was even possible.
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Town Elects Dog as Mayor in Political Protest
Fed up with corrupt officials, a mining town elected a stray dog named Rusty as mayor in 1928. Initially a protest vote, the pup’s “election” was upheld by public demand, and Rusty served symbolically—with his human companion doing the paperwork.
The Legacy Lives On
These headlines remind us that the 1920s weren’t just glitz and jazz—they were a decade of delightful absurdity and human oddity. Whether it’s counting to a million or marrying your hat, history proves we’ve always loved the strange—and it never goes out of style.
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