Fun Facts

For the person who wants to know “Why,” “How” and “When,” here are some tidbits that might interest you.

HOW DID MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. GET HIS NAME?
Dr. King originally was named for his father, Michael King. How did he get the name “ Martin Luther”? Answer.

WHAT DO POLITICAL CANDIDATES AND ROMAN TOGAS HAVE IN COMMON?
Much of our vocabulary comes from ancient Rome including the word “candidate.” How is it related to the traditional Roman garment? Answer.

IS THIS A TYPO, OR IS FEBRUARY 30th A REAL DATE?
This banner announces the opening of a club in Beirut, Lebanon. Will people wait in line for a date that never comes, or is February 30 real? Answer.

HOW DID CRIMSON BECOME HARVARD’S COLOR?
Go to Harvard and everything is crimson. But how did that color become the school’s choice? Answer.

WHY DO WE DRIVE ON THE RIGHT AND BRITS ON THE LEFT?
Growing up in the United States we take driving on the right for granted and find the British practice odd. Why are our customs different? Answer.

WHY IS BEACON HILL CALLED BEACON HILL?
Everyone in Boston knows Beacon Hill. That is where the State House is. Where did Beacon Hill gets its name? Answer.

CAN YOU FIND THE COMPUTERS IN THIS ROOM?
This picture shows a room full of computers. Hint: the photo was taken in 1924; there were no iPhones, PCs or Macs. Answer.

WHY SO MANY FRANKLINS IN BOSTON?
Boston has Franklin Street, Franklin Park and Franklin Institute of Technology. Ever wonder why so many places in Boston are named after Benjamin Franklin. Answer.

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