What Happened in 1937
Historical Highlights of 1937
-
The famed aviator Amelia Earhart vanished over the Pacific during an attempt to fly around the world, sparking one of the greatest aviation mysteries in history.
-
The Lincoln Tunnel opens on December 22, connecting Manhattan to New Jersey. The tunnel became a key piece of NYC’s transportation network.
Pop Culture & Fun Facts from 1937
-
The Hobbit was published by J.R.R. Tolkien. This fantasy novel became an instant classic and set the foundation for The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
-
Dr. Seuss publishes his first book, "Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street" marking the debut of Theodor Seuss Geisel’s signature storytelling style.
-
The world’s first shopping cart was used at Humpty Dumpty supermarket, in Oklahoma City.
-
Walt Disney’s "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" premieres on December 21. It was the first full-length animated feature film.
Science & Inventions of 1937
-
British engineer Frank Whittle patented the first turbojet engine, setting the stage for modern air travel.
-
The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco opens on May 27. It was the world’s longest suspension span at the time.
-
Edwin H. Land introduced a Polaroid camera filter that reduced glare.
-
Hormel introduces the canned meat product SPAM.
Sports Highlights of 1937
-
Joe Louis won the heavyweight title, becoming the first African American champion since Jack Johnson — a powerful cultural moment.
-
Lou Gehrig hits his 500th career home run
-
World Series Champions: New York Yankees
-
NFL Champs: Washington Redskins
-
Stanley Cup Champs: Detroit Red Wings
-
U.S. Open Golf: Ralph Guldahl
-
U.S. Tennis (Men/Women): J. Donald Budge/Anita Lizana
-
Wimbledon (Men/Women): Don Budge/Dorothy Round
-
Top Songs of 1937
-
Sweet Leilani – Bing Crosby
-
The Moon Got in My Eyes – Bing Crosby
-
A Foggy Day – Fred Astaire
-
Where or When – Hal Kemp & His Orchestra
-
Harbor Lights – Frances Langford
-
Sing, Sing, Sing – Benny Goodman
-
Marie – Tommy Dorsey Orchestra (feat. Jack Leonard)
-
They Can’t Take That Away from Me – Fred Astaire
-
Whistle While You Work – Adriana Caselotti (from Snow White)
Top Movies of 1937
-
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – Disney’s groundbreaking animated feature film
-
The Good Earth – Based on Pearl S. Buck’s novel; won Best Actress (Luise Rainer)
-
A Star Is Born – The original version of the classic Hollywood love story
-
Lost Horizon – A visually rich adaptation of the novel by James Hilton
-
Captains Courageous – Starring Spencer Tracy (who won Best Actor)
-
Stage Door – Ensemble drama with Katharine Hepburn and Ginger Rogers
-
Topper – A hit fantasy comedy with Cary Grant
-
Dead End – Social drama starring Humphrey Bogart and the Dead End Kids
-
Heidi – Starring Shirley Temple in one of her most beloved roles
-
Shall We Dance – Another Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers musical delight
FREE 1937 Year You Were Born Printable
Click the image below to download.
