This Day in History: Something Funny

Remembering the Hilarious Antics of the Past

Throughout history, even the most serious of events have been punctuated by moments of humor. This day in history, we take a lighthearted look back at some of the funniest stories from the past.

A Royal Slip-Up

In 1783, King George III of England famously lost his wig while delivering a speech to Parliament. The incident caused widespread laughter and became a symbol of the king's eccentricity. The wig was later retrieved and returned to the king, much to the amusement of the audience.

The Cow that Ate the Cabinet

In 1854, a cow wandered into the Wyoming Territorial Legislature and devoured important legislative documents. The incident caused chaos and delayed the proceedings. The cow was eventually removed, but the legend of the "cow that ate the cabinet" remains a humorous tale in Wyoming history.

The World's Shortest War

In 1896, Zanzibar and England engaged in the world's shortest war. The conflict lasted only 38 minutes before Zanzibar surrendered. The cause of the war was a dispute over the succession to the Zanzibar throne. The war's brevity has made it a popular subject of humor and trivia.

The Great Molasses Flood

In 1919, a giant tank of molasses burst in Boston, Massachusetts. The molasses spilled into the streets, creating a sticky mess and damaging buildings. The incident became known as the "Great Molasses Flood" and has been a source of humor and local lore ever since.

The Toilet Paper Throne

In 1985, Pope John Paul II visited the Netherlands. During a meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Ruud Lubbers, the prime minister's toilet paper holder fell apart. To lighten the mood, the pope joked that he would use his miter as a makeshift holder. This playful moment remains a memorable and heartwarming incident in papal history.