Little unknown oddities of us & canada (1950s, interesting facts, president) - History -U.S. and World, studying past, wars, presidents, language, economy - City-Data Forum

Steve Bagu · 09-14-2008, 11:32 PM

Who Am I is great for some. Geography is world wide. I propose a thread towards some oddities of US and Canada that many are unaware of even tho we may see them every so often. More questions and more potential participants.

#1 When did a ice jam destroy a famous bridge and where?. (note) As a child, I saw this bridge in the river).

#2 For what reason do West Point Cadets wear grey?.

#3 Where/when was the 1st computer Bug discovered?.

Hope there are those out there who might be interested in some local oddities that we never see or hear. Steve

Thyra · 09-15-2008, 08:22 AM

I think this will be a great thread...I'm glad you included Canada, as I have just learned a few interesting facts abou it.. Good work, Steve

Thyra · 09-16-2008, 07:21 AM

West Point cadets wear gray to honor Gen Winfield Scott after a battle with the British in 1814...Had to look that one up

jmking · 09-16-2008, 07:33 AM

Who held the honorary position of the first President of the United States while the first presidential election took place?

Steve Bagu · 09-16-2008, 09:17 AM

Correct Trudey on the grey uniforms for Gen Scott. Now how about the bridge and computer bug?. Being a female, you should know the bridge. Think back to honeymoons. As to the bug, it was discovered just after the end of WW11. Steve

Thyra · 09-16-2008, 10:09 AM

Well... did not honeymoon at Niagra Falls, but I live not far from it...first guess The Rainbow Bridge???

Steve Bagu · 09-16-2008, 10:23 AM

Well, I'm from Hamilton and lived in Port Colborne at the time of the ice flow/damage. Rainbow Bridge is the name of the new bridge to replace the old one. What was the name of the old bridge and what year was the storm/damage. Being close by you should remember a little history of the area. Side note; Many yrs back I was standing at the railing on the American Falls side looking down into the gorge. Three days later, that section of railing fell into the gorge. Anyway, you are close in the name of the old bridge. Steve

RE: The question on a honorary president is a good oddity. Did a lot of reading, but nothing to the question. Thats Odd. Steve

harry chickpea · 09-16-2008, 10:24 AM

On the bug, I seem to remember that the first bug was literally a bug that was causing problems in the Eniac. Late 1940s? 1950s?

I was going to mention that the bridge probably wasn't in Florida...

Bydand · 09-16-2008, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trudeyrose

Well... did not honeymoon at Niagra Falls, but I live not far from it...first guess The Rainbow Bridge???

The Rainbow bridge was built to replace the Honeymoon bridge which was brought down by ice in I think 1938. Which I think is the bridge in question. Officially known as the "Upper Steel Arch Bridge" which I didn't know until I looked for a photo of the bridge online.

Steve Bagu · 09-16-2008, 11:05 AM

Bydand...correct. Jan 27 1938 in the afternoon the View Honeymoon bridge did collapse into the narrow gorge. I'm one of the few left who have seen the twisted girders lying in the ice. No big deal, its just nice to be able to relate to someone who has seen/witnessed a past history then to read someones past description in a book. Personally I like to hear from these living individuals. Steve

RE; The "BUG" was a legged creature found at Harvard. Steve