Human Interest

Amazement sets in when we see images of the past depicting the future, especially when some of the ideas aren't too far off the mark. A set of 19th century postcards has revealed what French artists thought would be happening at the turn of the 21st century. The set of postcards, produced between 1899 and 1910, predict what life might be like in Paris in the year 2000. The year 2000 may now be history (hard to believe it has already been 14 years since the initial celebration of the new millennium) but stepping back in time is always fascinating. There are some fairly bizarre scenes that have not come to fruition—no one has yet invented a flying fireman, or started playing croquet underwater—but whose to say they are not on someone's drawing board somewhere.

Today's History Lesson

In the 21st century, on the average not much thought is given to how one might travel from one place to another. Automobiles are commonplace with many households making claim to more than one. Then, there are the boats, buses, trains and planes, as well as the recreational vehicles. Travel has not always been so convenient. In fact, picture no more than feet, horse and wagon.

This Day in History: May 22, 1843