According to Wikipedia: “Kites were used approximately 2,800 years ago in China, where materials ideal for kite building were readily available: silk fabric for sail material, fine, high-tensile-strength silk for flying line, and resilient bamboo for a strong, lightweight framework“
Since then, over the centuries, kites have been reproduced around the world. In Asia, kites became symbolic of mystical and religious ceremonies and in the United States kites were used in scientific experiments in the US. Not to mention all the fun children and adults have flying kites
In 1752 Benjamin Franklin, a renowned kite flyer, conducted his big experiment in secret with only his son as an assistant because he loathed the ridicule that he would have to endure if the experiment failed. This was a very dangerous experiment because he flew a silk kite (more durable than paper) with a line of hemp held by a silk ribbon into an approaching storm over Philadelphia. Attached to the end of the line was a brass key and a wire was attached to the top of the kite. The purpose of the experiment was to conduct electricity. After a few attempts and being knocked unconcious on at least one occassion, Franklin proved his theory and the rest, as they say is history.
So what kind of Publicity Stunt or marketing tactic could you use today?
Also on this day:
In 1892 the Sierra Club was founded
In 1742 the first indoor swimming pool opened at Goodman’s Fields, London
In 1818 the first steam-vessel to sail Great Lakes was launched
In 1923 the Attorney General said it’s legal for women to wear trousers
In 1951 : The two biggest retailers in New York City go head to head with an old fashioned price war, Macy’s the worlds largest department store and Gimbals who have said they will not be undersold. Macy’s stated they would cut 6% off of a quarter of it’s products throughout the store.
In 1961 Amnesty International was founded
In 1974 the first Emmy (Daytime TV) Awards presentation aired
