April 7: Key Events in Business History

Here's your edition of 🕰️ Today in Small Business History – April 7:

1. 1927: First Successful Long-Distance Television Transmission

On April 7, 1927, the Bell Telephone Company conducted the first successful long-distance television transmission. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Herbert Hoover's image and voice were transmitted from Washington, D.C., to an audience in New York. This pioneering event showcased the potential of television, laying the groundwork for future broadcasting and advertising opportunities that small businesses would later utilize.

2. 1933: Cullen-Harrison Act Takes Effect, Leading to National Beer Day

On April 7, 1933, the Cullen-Harrison Act went into effect, legalizing the sale of beer with an alcohol content of up to 3.2% by weight in the United States. This marked a significant step toward the end of Prohibition. The day is now celebrated annually as National Beer Day, recognizing the resurgence of breweries and related small businesses.

3. 1937: Hershey Chocolate Workers' Strike Ends

On April 7, 1937, Hershey Chocolate Corporation workers' sit-down strike ended abruptly when farmers and townspeople confronted the strikers, leading to violent clashes. This event highlighted the growing labor movement and the challenges workers and small businesses faced in labor relations during that era.

4. 1964: IBM Announces System/360 Mainframe Computer

On April 7, 1964, IBM introduced the System/360, a groundbreaking family of mainframe computers that standardized hardware and software interfaces. This innovation made computing more accessible to businesses of all sizes, including small enterprises, by providing scalable and compatible systems.

5. 1947: Death of Henry Ford

On April 7, 1947, Henry Ford, the founder of the Ford Motor Company and pioneer of assembly line production, passed away. His innovations revolutionized the automotive industry and influenced manufacturing processes for countless small businesses worldwide.

Dr. Ethan Fairbanks, M.B.H. (Master of Business History)

#Business History #National Beer Day #IBM System 360 #Henry Ford #Television Innovation #Labor Movement