Today’s post comes from National Archives Office of Strategy and Communications staff writer Rob Crotty.
Carolyn Grey, you hit our funny bone hardest last week, when you added a snappy caption to a Civil War telegraph snipper. While we’re not sure whether Apple will be rolling out the iPole anytime soon (though ostensibly it would have fewer ‘dropped’ calls than the iPhone, har har).
The real story behind this photo has everything to do with dropped calls. “Cutting telegraph wire and connecting the ends, so that the point at which the connection is broken cannot be seen from the ground.” Yes, the Civil War saw the advent of the telegraph, and the advent of the telegraph saw new ways to spy and disrupt communications.
But enough of the drab war-talk. It’s the holiday season, and this is the last photo caption contest of 2010. So, sharpen your pencils and your wit to come up with the funniest caption you can. We’ll give the winner 30% off at the National Archives eStore.
For all those who have played across 2010 and for all those who have made Pieces of History such a success, thank you and Happy Holidays!
Did we just nuke Moscow instead of lighting up the tree?
While many people remember Harry Truman for his skill as a piano player, only a select few knew of his skills as an electrician. In this photo the President is shown fixing the 1949 National Christmas Tree. The tree had one string of lights out when the lighting ceremony was completed. The President had all lights on in 15 minutes. He then offered to repair Secretary of State Acheson’s toaster which had been on the fritz for weeks.
And this is my wife. And this is my dog. And this is my cousins …………
They call me The Prez
No, see right here, the lights should stay on even if one bulb goes out. They can also play Jingle Bells.
This wallet contains next year’s Defense Department’s budget….sorry about that.
And here’s me with Winnie, Chuck de Gaulle and Mao Mao in the hottub after a great State dinner.
OK, but this is the last damn “Man of the Year” cover I’m signing, Patterson.
The electricity stops here!
Can you break a $100? The pizza delivery guy is finally here.
Autograph? Sure, MacArthur. (I hope this doesn’t come back to haunt me…..)
Yes, officer. I have that ID right here.
“Well my goodness, you really are Harry Truman! Ok, you can go, but try to keep it under 35, alright?”
truman’s plan b to fixing corruption in his cabinet and all of his foreign affairs button, pressing the staples easy button
I wonder why this gift from General MacArthur is ticking?
If you all would turn to page 58 in your hymnal and join the choir in singing Oh, Holy Night…
I can’t see the power button, can you?
Mr. President, are you sure it’s THAT button?!
How many Presidents does it take to light a tree?
It’s not for me sir, it’s uh, er, for my granddaughter……………..