Welcome to Bizarre, Strange & Weird Historical Facts!
It is Thursday, April 23, 2026. I am your host, Robert Bob Kahn.
1. Some Ancient Greeks Feared Redheads After Death: There was a belief that red-haired individuals could become vampires. (Keep in mind this is considered the birth place of civilization)
2. Canada’s “Fruit Machine” Tried to Root Out Gay Government Workers: In the 1960s, Canada attempted to develop a machine that could ID gay people in government and military positions. They called it the “Fruit Machine.” It measured pupil dilation while looking at images.
3. A Real Plot to Overthrow A U.S. President: During the Business Plot of 1933, a group of wealthy businessmen planned to overthrow FDR’s “socialist” presidency and install a fascist regime in its place. They tried to recruit a respected military veteran, General Smedley Butler, but he refused and instead reported it.
4. The FBI Tried to Destroy Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: The FBI spied on civil rights leaders and went so far as to wiretap, blackmail, and send anonymous letters to Dr. King, telling him to kill himself.
5. Abolished Christmas: In 1647, the English Parliament banned Christmas celebrations, regarding the festivities as immoral and a waste of time!
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History is filled with strange and fascinating stories that often go unnoticed in mainstream education. One such case is the Ancient Greek fear of redheads, believed to be potential vampires after death. This superstition highlights how ancient cultures tried to explain the unknown with myths and legends, revealing a distinct view of red-haired individuals that contrasts sharply with today’s perceptions. Similarly, the 1960s Canadian 'Fruit Machine' is a chilling example of how governments attempted to control and discriminate against LGBTQ+ communities using pseudoscience. The idea was to detect gay individuals through pupil dilation when viewing images, reflecting the era’s paranoia and the violation of personal rights, which serves as a case study in governmental abuses under the guise of national security. The Business Plot of 1933 is another lesser-known episode where wealthy industrialists allegedly schemed to overthrow President Franklin D. Roosevelt to prevent his New Deal reforms. The refusal of General Smedley Butler to partake and his decision to inform Congress underscores the complexity of political power struggles during times of economic upheaval. Additionally, the FBI’s surveillance and attempts to discredit Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reveal dark facets of America’s civil rights history. The agency’s tactics included wiretapping and psychological warfare aimed at breaking King’s spirit, highlighting the institutional resistance to social change and civil rights progress. Lastly, the 1647 abolition of Christmas by the English Parliament demonstrates how religious and political beliefs can drastically alter cultural traditions. Viewing Christmas celebrations as immoral and frivolous, the ban lasted until the Restoration in 1660, shedding light on the power conflicts that shaped cultural rites. Sharing these historical anecdotes not only entertains but also educates us on the complexity of cultural beliefs, government authority, and social change. Such stories encourage a deeper reflection on how past prejudices and power dynamics influence our present.