US History Archives - Page 2 of 5 - World's Worst Website

Posted on September 13, 2026 by jeff@jeffnapier.com — Leave a comment

Worst Laws in the United States

The following is excerpted from a book published in 1858:

THE FAMOUS CONNECTICUT BLUE LAWS. – These laws, enacted by the people of the “Dominion of New Haven,” became known as the blue laws because they were printed on blue paper. They were as follows: –

The governor and magistrates convened in general assembly are the supreme power, under God, of the independent dominion. From the determination of the assembly no appeal shall be made.

No one shall be a freeman or have a vote unless he is converted and a member of one of the churches allowed in the dominion.

Each freeman shall swear by the blessed God to bear true allegiance to this dominion and that Jesus is the only king.

No dissenter from the essential worship of this dominion shall be allowed to give a vote for electing of magistrates or any officer.

No food or lodging shall be offered to a heretic.

No one shall cross a river on the Sabbath but authorized clergymen.

No one shall travel, cook victuals, make beds, sweep houses, cut hair, or shave on the Sabbath Day.

No one shall kiss his or her children on the Sabbath or feasting days.

The Sabbath Day shall begin at sunset Saturday.

Whoever wears clothes trimmed with gold, silver, or bone lace above one shilling per yard shall be presented by the grand jurors and the selectmen shall tax the estate L300.

Whoever brings cards or dice into the dominion shall pay a fine of L5.

No one shall eat mince pies, dance, play cards, or play any instrument of music except the drum, trumpet, or jews harp.

No gospel minister shall join people in marriage. The magistrate may join them, as he may do it with less scandal to Christ’s church.

When parents refuse their children convenient marriages, the magistrate shall determine the point.

A man who strikes his wife shall be fined L10.

A woman who strikes her husband shall be punished as the law directs.

No man shall court a maid in person or by letter without obtaining the consent of her parents; L5 penalty for the first offense; L10 for the second, and for the third imprisonment during the pleasure of the court.

Posted on September 10, 2026 by jeff@jeffnapier.com — Leave a comment

Worst Carpet Tacking Situation

I found the following in a book published in 1858:

“An English gentleman, traveling some years ago in Ireland, took a hammer and tacks with him, because he found dog’s-eared carpets at all the inns where he rested. At one of these inns he tacked down the carpet which, as usual, was loose near the door, and soon afterwards rang for his dinner. While the carpet was loose the door could not be opened without a hard push: so when the waiter came up, he just unlatched the door, and then going back a couple of yards, he rushed against it, as his habit was, with a sudden spring to force it open. But the wrinkles of the carpet were no longer there to stop it, and not meeting with the expected resistance, the unfortunate waiter fell full sprawl into the room. It had never entered his head that so much trouble might be saved by means of a hammer and half-a-dozen tacks, until his fall taught him that make-shift is a very unprofitable kind of shift.”

Posted on September 10, 2026 by jeff@jeffnapier.com — Leave a comment

How To Avoid Raising the Worst Daughters

From a book written in 1858:

Daughters: Mothers, who wish not only to discharge well their own duties in the domestic circle, but to train up their daughters at a later day to make happy and comfortable firesides for their families, should watch well, and guard well, the notions which they imbibe and with which they grow up. There will be so many persons ready to fill their young heads with false and vain fancies, and there is so much always afloat in society opposed to duty and common sense, that if mothers do not watch well, they may contract ideas very fatal to their future happiness and usefulness, and hold them till they grow into habits of thought or feeling. A wise mother will have her eyes open, and be ready for every case.

Posted on September 10, 2026September 10, 2026 by jeff@jeffnapier.com — Leave a comment

Worst Advice for Drowning

From a book written in 1858:

(This is no longer considered correct)

“Drowning: Attend to the following essential rules:

1. Lose no time.

2. Handle the body gently.

3. Carry the body with the head gently raised, and never hold it up by the feet.

4. Send for medical assistance immediately, and in the meantime act as follows:

1. Strip the body, rub it dry: then rub it in hot blankets, and place it in a warm bed in a warm room.

2. Cleanse away the froth and mucus from the nose and mouth.

3. Apply warm bricks, bottles, bags of sand, &c. to the arm-pits, between the thighs and soles of the feet.

4. Rub the surface of the body with the hands enclosed in warm dry worsted socks.

5. If possible, put the body into a warm bath.

6. To restore breathing, put the pipe of a common bellows into one nostril, carefully closing the other and the mouth; at the same time drawing downwards, and pushing gently backwards the upper part of the windpipe, to allow a more free admission of air; blow the bellows gently, in order to inflate the lungs, till the breast be raised a little; then set the mouth and nostrils free, and press gently on the chest; repeat this until signs of life appear. When the patient revives, apply smelling-salts to the nose, give warm wine or brandy and water.

Cautions:

1. Never rub the body with salt or spirits.

2. Never roll the body on casks.

3. Continue the remedies for twelve hours without ceasing.

Posted on September 9, 2026September 9, 2026 by jeff@jeffnapier.com — Leave a comment

Worst Disregard for a Free Gift

It is tempting for American kids to drop out of school. Who would want to finish school if their plans are only to build race cars or marry somebody rich? But sometimes plans don’t work out the way you expected. More importantly, in the United States, school is free, supported by taxpayers. It’s free! You might as well take as much as you can get.

More About High School

1. “School spirit” became strongly associated with organized high-school athletics

In the early 20th century, schools increasingly used football games, pep rallies, school colors, songs and mascots to create a sense of community. High school consequently became not just a place for classes, but a miniature social institution.

2. The first U.S. high school was established in Boston in 1821

Boston English High School was created primarily to provide practical education for boys who were not necessarily headed for college. It is still operating today.

3. High school sports helped create some of America’s earliest school mascots

Schools began adopting animals, warriors, and other symbols partly to give students a shared identity at athletic competitions. The mascot could become almost as important to a school’s identity as its name.

4. “Prom” is short for “promenade”

Early American proms were essentially formal dances where students dressed up and socialized. The modern elaborate prom, with expensive dresses, limousines and elaborate “promposals,” evolved considerably later.

5. Some high schools once had rifle teams as ordinary school activities

Marksmanship was offered at many American schools, particularly during the early and mid-20th century. School rifle teams could receive substantial institutional support, especially during periods when military preparedness was emphasized.

6. The SAT has roots in military intelligence testing

The SAT’s ancestry can be traced to standardized tests developed for the U.S. military during World War I. Carl Brigham, who later helped develop the SAT, worked with Army intelligence testing.

7. High-school yearbooks weren’t originally just memory books

Early yearbooks often functioned more like elaborate school records, containing photographs, literary pieces, school history, activities and student organizations. The tradition gradually evolved into the senior-focused yearbook familiar today.

8. “Senioritis” is real as a behavior, but it isn’t a medical disease

The unofficial term describes the tendency of some graduating students to lose motivation once they believe their remaining schoolwork has little effect on their future. The phenomenon has been studied by psychologists under more respectable names such as declining academic motivation.

Posted on September 8, 2026September 8, 2026 by jeff@jeffnapier.com — Leave a comment

Worst Thing About Pit Bulls

Pit Bulls, the breed of dogs which are mostly lovey, even-tempered pets, are sometimes bred to be vicious. Because of these rare badly-trained dogs, all pit bulls may be outlawed in England, meaning all of them in that country could be sentenced to death. There are 5,256,000 pitbulls in the United States, and approximately 9 million in England.

More about Pit Bulls

“Pit Bull” Isn’t Actually a Single Breed
The term “pit bull” is an umbrella label used to describe several distinct, distinctively built breeds descending from bulldogs and terriers. This category primarily includes the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and the American Bully.
They Once Earned the Title of “Nanny Dogs”
In the early 20th century, pit bulls were widely celebrated in popular culture for their gentle, protective nature around children. Their patience and affection earned them a reputation as family guardians, leading to the affectionate nickname “Nanny Dog.”
They Were America’s Military & Cultural Mascots
During World War I and World War II, pit bulls represented American bravery, loyalty, and determination on recruitment posters and wartime campaigns. Their likeness was regularly used to embody national strength and patriotic duty.
Sergeant Stubby Was a Highly Decorated WWI War Hero
Sergeant Stubby, a pit bull mix, served on the Western Front during World War I. He survived being wounded, alerted troops to incoming mustard gas attacks, located injured soldiers in no-man’s-land, and caught a enemy spy, earning official promotion to Sergeant and national fame.
The “Locking Jaw” Myth Is Completely False
A persistent urban legend claims pit bulls possess a special physical locking mechanism in their jaws. Studies by veterinary anatomists have proven that their jaw structure is identical to that of any other dog breed; they simply possess strong jaw muscles, as do many large working dogs.
They Excel in Temperament Testing
In evaluations conducted by the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS), pit bull breeds consistently score higher than many popular family breeds, including Golden Retrievers and Chihuahuas. American Pit Bull Terriers frequently achieve pass rates near 87%.
A Pit Bull Was One of Early Hollywood’s Biggest Stars
Petey the Pup from the famous 1920s and 30s short comedy series Our Gang (later known as The Little Rascals) was an American Pit Bull Terrier named Pal the Wonder Dog, famous for the natural ring marking around his eye.
They Were the First Dog to Cross America by Automobile
In 1903, a pit bull named Bud accompanied Dr. Horatio Nelson Jackson and Sewall K. Crocker on the first successful transcontinental trip across the United States in a motor car. Bud wore custom goggles to protect his eyes from dust along the unpaved roads.
They Don’t Have a Naturally Aggressive Disposition Toward Humans
Historically bred to work closely alongside human handlers, pit bulls were selectively bred to be exceptionally friendly and submissive toward people, making human aggression an unnatural trait in properly socialized dogs of the breed line.
They Excel as Search and Rescue & Therapy Dogs
Due to their high athletic drive, intelligence, resilience, and affection for humans, many pit bulls excel as working dogs in law enforcement detection, search-and-rescue teams, and certified hospital therapy programs.

Posted on September 8, 2026 by jeff@jeffnapier.com — Leave a comment

Worst Thing to do with Clocks

Daylight Savings Time, an American phenomenon has been debated for years. Springing ahead can be dangerous. The number of people who suffer strokes during the two days following moving the clock ahead is eight percent higher.

Daylight Saving Time (DST) is practiced in dozens of countries around the world, yet it remains one of the most debated and misunderstood seasonal traditions. Here are 10 fascinating facts about its history, impact, and origins.

Here’s more about DST

Benjamin Franklin Did Not Invent It
While Benjamin Franklin wrote a satirical 1784 essay suggesting Parisians wake up earlier to save on candle wax—even proposing firing cannons at dawn—he never suggested changing the clock. The modern idea was actually conceived in 1895 by George Hudson, a New Zealand entomologist who wanted extra evening sunlight after work to collect bugs.
It Was First Adopted to Save Coal During WWI
The German Empire was the first nation to officially adopt Daylight Saving Time on April 30, 1916, as a wartime measure to conserve coal. The United Kingdom and other European nations followed weeks later, and the United States introduced its own version in 1918.
Farmers Are Not Fans
A widespread myth claims DST was created to help farmers, but agricultural workers were actually its fiercest opponents. Disrupted animal schedules—like cows refusing to produce milk an hour earlier—and misaligned supply chains led farmers to lobby heavily against it. In the US, farmers led the push to repeal DST after WWI.
It Costs More Energy Than It Saves in Some Places
While created for energy conservation, modern studies show DST has a negligible effect on energy usage and can even increase it. A famous 2006 study in Indiana found that while DST reduced lighting demand, it increased home air conditioning and heating use, raising total electricity bills across the state by $9 million annually.
It Triggers Measurable Health Risks
The spring shift forward causes a collective loss of one hour of sleep, which leads to notable spikes in public health issues. Epidemiological studies show a ~24% increase in heart attack risk on the Monday immediately following the spring shift, alongside spikes in workplace injuries, fatal traffic accidents, and miscarriages among IVF patients.
Not All of the United States Observes It
In the US, Hawaii and most of Arizona do not observe DST (Arizona opted out in 1968 due to its extreme summer heat, as residents preferred earlier nightfall). US territories—including Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands—also do not observe DST.
The US Tried Year-Round DST in 1974 (and Hated It)
During the 1973 OPEC oil embargo, President Richard Nixon signed a bill instituting year-round DST starting in January 1974. Public support plummeted when winter arrived, as children were forced to commute to school in total darkness, leading to high-profile traffic accidents. Congress repealed the law just eight months later.
A Two-Minute Window Helped a Draft-Dodger
During the Vietnam War, an American born on November 2, 1963, at 1:10 AM local time used DST to dodge the draft. His home state was undergoing the standard fall clock shift on that date. When his birth time occurred, the clock turned back to 1:00 AM, making his official standard time 12:10 AM—which shifted his birthdate back to November 1 and altered his draft lottery number.
It Drives Retail and Commerce Politics
The golf, outdoor recreation, and candy industries have historically been major lobbyists for extended DST. Extra daylight in the evening encourages consumers to shop, play golf, and spend money outside. In 1986, the US extended DST by a month largely through lobbying efforts by golf and barbecue equipment manufacturers.
A Chaos-Causing Period Known as “Chaos Time”
Before the US Uniform Time Act of 1966, states, towns, and cities could choose whether or not to observe DST and when to start it. This created total logistical chaos; a 35-mile bus ride between Steubenville, Ohio, and Moundsville, West Virginia, passed through seven different time changes in less than an hour.

Posted on September 8, 2026September 8, 2026 by jeff@jeffnapier.com — Leave a comment

Worst Imposter

Ferdinand Waldo Demara, Jr., a high-school dropout, posed as a monk, a professor of psychology, a cancer researcher, a penal officer, a teacher, and a surgeon, all without the proper education or certification. As a surgeon he successfully performed amputations and even thoracic surgery.

Ferdinand was portrayed by Tony Curtis in the 1961 movie, “The Great Imposter.”

More about Ferdinand Demara, Jr.

Ferdinand Waldo Demara Jr., famously known as “The Great Impostor,” was one of history’s most prolific and successful con men. Armed with an extraordinary memory and supreme confidence, he took on dozens of high-level professions without credentials.

He Performed Successful Surgeries at Sea with Zero Medical Training
During the Korean War, Demara posed as Dr. Joseph Cyr, a trauma surgeon aboard the Royal Canadian Navy destroyer HMCS Cayuga. When wounded soldiers were brought aboard, Demara ducked into his cabin, speed-read a medical textbook on the required procedures, and performed multiple surgeries—including extracting a bullet lodged near a patient’s heart and amputating a foot. Every single one of his patients survived.
His Heroic Fame Was His Own Undoing
Demara’s flawless surgical work on the Cayuga was so impressive that it attracted news coverage. The real Dr. Joseph Cyr’s mother read a newspaper account of her son’s “heroic” actions aboard a navy vessel in Korea and knew something was wrong, as her actual son was practicing medicine in New Brunswick, exposing the fraud.
He Served as the Dean of Philosophy at a College
Posing as “Dr. Robert Linton French,” a religiously oriented psychologist, Demara landed a position at Gannon College in Erie, Pennsylvania. He wasn’t just a lecturer; he was made Dean of the School of Philosophy and taught courses in general, industrial, and abnormal psychology—even authoring a booklet titled How to Bring Up Your Child.
He Possessed a Photographic Memory
Demara lacked formal higher education, having run away from home as a teenager, but he possessed an extraordinarily high IQ and a photographic memory. This allowed him to absorb textbooks rapidly, memorize technical jargon, and pass himself off as an authority on nearly any subject overnight.
He Faked His Own Suicide to Escape the Military
After going AWOL from the U.S. Army during World War II, Demara joined the U.S. Navy under a stolen name. When he failed to get the naval assignment he wanted, he staged his own suicide by leaving his clothes and a suicide note on a beach before slipping away under another new identity.
He Ran a Maximum-Security Prison Section
Demara assumed the identity of Dr. Ben W. Jones and secured a position as an assistant warden at a maximum-security prison in Texas. He successfully instituted prison reform policies and gained the trust of inmates and guards alike before a prisoner recognized his face from a news article and turned him in.
He Co-Founded a Catholic College
Demara spent significant time trying to become a monk, joining various religious orders throughout his life. Under the alias Brother John Payne, he helped found LaMennais College (now Walsh University) in Alfred, Maine, where he served as a chancellor.
He Was Played by Tony Curtis in a Hollywood Film
His exploits inspired a best-selling 1959 biography, The Great Impostor by Robert Crichton, which was adapted into a 1961 feature film starring Tony Curtis. Demara was also cast in a small role as a hospital surgeon in the 1960 horror film The Hypnotic Eye, where ironically, observers noted he was terrible at scripted acting.
He Claimed His Primary Motive Was “Pure Rascality”
Unlike most con artists, Demara rarely stole money or sought great personal wealth. He was primarily motivated by prestige, the challenge of slipping into high-status roles, and the opportunity to do good. When asked about his motivation, he famously cited “Rascality, pure rascality”.
He Ended His Life as a Legitimate Hospital Chaplain
In his later years, after his fame made it impossible to adopt new fake personas, Demara went back to serving others legitimately under his real name. He became an ordained minister and worked as a hospital chaplain in Anaheim, California, until his death in 1982.

Perhaps more famous was Frank Abagnale Jr., the real person portrayed in the move “Catch Me If You Can,” Starring Leonardo DiCaprio

Posted on September 6, 2026September 6, 2026 by jeff@jeffnapier.com — Leave a comment

Worst Woodstove

The First “Franklin stove” – a stove designed by Ben Franklin, survives to this day in many households. It is also known as the “Pennsylvania Fireplace,” The stove is a fireplace with cast iron doors as shown above.

His second stove invention, manufactured between 1771 and 1786, was called the “smoke-consuming” stove. This version has disappeared from modern times. It was an airtight, which is more efficient than most of the stoves used at that time. But, his invention was so complex and awkward to light that it never gained much favor in American homes.

It looked somewhat like an egg on a pedestal. The air came in through vents in the top of the egg, passed downward through the wood fire, and was sucked out the bottom, which was connected to the chimney through pipes running under the floor. This design caused almost total combustion of the wood, which most stoves cannot do, and the pipes under the floor warmed the floor, which was pleasant and efficient. The problem was that the system had to be warmed gradually in order to get the necessary draft or suction sufficient to avoid smoking up the whole house.

Ben claimed that the servants were too stupid to manage it. He was reluctant to say that maybe his design was just too cumbersome.

Ben Franklin’s Smoke-Consuming Stove

Posted on September 5, 2026 by jeff@jeffnapier.com — Leave a comment

Worst Bell

Because the Americans felt unqualified to cast a bell so large, the Liberty Bell was made in England and shipped to America. It arrived in 1752. It cracked the very first time it was rung. This was the only bell made by the Whitechapel Foundry of London that ever cracked in the 400 years they had been making them.

The colonists melted it down and tried to recast it themselves, but it did not sound good when finished. They tried again, and then Continue reading Worst Bell