Forgotten Events

The passage of time can be a cruel thing, erasing important events from our collective memory. Wars, famines, and natural disasters have occurred throughout history, shaping the world we live in today. However, many of these events have faded into obscurity, their significance lost to the ages.

The Story of the Radium Girls

In the early 20th century, hundreds of women worked at factories painting watch faces with glow-in-the-dark paint containing radium. Unbeknownst to them, this radioactive substance was causing severe health problems, including anemia, bone cancer, and necrosis of the jaw. Many of these women, known as the Radium Girls, took their employers to court, fighting for workers' rights and compensation for their suffering.

The story of the Radium Girls began in 1917 when five women from Orange, New Jersey, went on strike after being denied a raise. The strike was short-lived, but it sparked a movement across the country. Women from Illinois, Ohio, and other states joined forces, using their collective power to push for better working conditions.

One of the most notable cases involved Catherine Donohue, who worked at the United States Radium factory in Orange. After being diagnosed with radium poisoning, she took her employer to court, seeking compensation for her medical expenses. The case drew national attention and helped pave the way for future labor movements.

Despite their bravery, the legacy of the Radium Girls has largely been forgotten. However, their story serves as a reminder of the importance of workers' rights and the ongoing struggle for justice in the workplace.

The Sinking of the SS Waratah

In 1909, the SS Waratah set sail from Sydney, Australia, bound for Cape Town, South Africa. On board were over 200 passengers and crew members, including several high-ranking officials and their families. Just a few days into the voyage, the ship struck a reef off the coast of South Africa.

The SS Waratah sank rapidly, taking most of its occupants with it. Despite efforts to rescue those on board, only six survivors were pulled from the water. The incident was met with widespread shock and outrage, but its significance has largely been forgotten today.

One reason for this is that the sinking of the SS Waratah occurred at a time when maritime disasters were relatively common. Another factor may be that the incident failed to receive adequate attention from the media or government officials, leading to a lack of public awareness and commemoration.

Today, the story of the SS Waratah serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by sailors and passengers on ships throughout history.

The Red Decade

The 1920s were a tumultuous time in American politics. During this period, known as the Red Decade, thousands of Americans were arrested, blacklisted, and even deported for their alleged connections to communism.

One notable case was that of Sacco and Vanzetti, two Italian-American anarchists who were wrongly accused of murder and subsequently executed. Their story has been well-documented, but their case serves as a stark reminder of the climate of fear and repression that characterized this era.

Other notable events from this period include the Palmer Raids, where thousands of people were rounded up and interrogated on suspicion of being communist sympathizers, and the execution of Tom Mooney, an American labor leader who was wrongly accused of murder.

The Red Decade ended with the onset of World War II, which marked a significant shift in American politics. However, its legacy can still be seen in today's world, where issues such as civil liberties and government surveillance remain contentious.

The Story of Mary Seacole

Mary Seacole was a Jamaican-Scottish nurse who provided care to soldiers during the Crimean War. Despite her bravery and dedication, Seacole's contributions were largely forgotten until recent years.

Seacole traveled to the front lines, providing medical care and supplies to wounded soldiers from all sides of the conflict. Her experiences were documented in her memoirs, which remain a testament to her unwavering commitment to helping others.

One notable aspect of Seacole's story is that she was able to gain access to the front lines despite being a woman in a predominantly male environment. Her bravery and perseverance serve as an inspiration to this day.

Despite her achievements, Seacole's legacy has largely been eclipsed by that of Florence Nightingale, another famous nurse from the Crimean War era. However, recent efforts have sought to rectify this oversight, recognizing Mary Seacole's contributions to the field of nursing and beyond.