Do you know how many middle-aged men go out for a pint of milk and never come home? ... Not enough.
Jenny Eclair (March 16 1960-)
Picture: Chris Watt
U.S.Patent Office FireIn 1836, a fire destroyed the U.S. Patent Office. All records of over 10,000 patents issued over 46 years were lost, most forever, and the patent models filed with them. The office shared space in Blodgett's Hotel with the Post Office. The Patent Office occupied the second and third floors above one end, as well as most of the attic of the entire building. The fire started in the basement, where firewood was stored. The fire engine company next door had unserviceable equipment and time was lost. A bucket brigade attempted to extinguish the flames. Another engine arrived too late; the fire had taken hold. Its water supply was insufficient and the fire consumed the building. Little existed in record elsewhere when an effort was made to restore the patents.« |
