1909

What Was Happening in 1909

Blériot flew the Channel, Peary claimed the Pole, and the world grew smaller by the day.

Born in

Number 1 Songs in 1909 — UK and US Charts

UK #1

"I Do Like to Be Beside the Seaside"

Mark Sheridan

First performed by Mark Sheridan in 1909, this became one of the most enduring British songs of the Edwardian era. It captured the growing popularity of seaside holidays among the working class.

US #1

"I've Got Rings on My Fingers (Mumbo Jumbo Jijiboo J. O'Shea)"

Blanche Ring (performed), Ada Jones (recorded)

A comic novelty song from the Broadway musical The Midnight Sons. It was one of the top-selling records and sheet music of 1909.

Biggest Films of 1909 — Box Office Hits

A Corner in Wheat

Box Office: N/A

Directed by D.W. Griffith, this 14-minute film about a wheat speculator who corners the market while the poor starve was a landmark in social commentary cinema. Griffith's innovative use of cross-cutting between rich and poor was highly influential.

Fashion and Style of 1909

Fashion, clothing and visual culture from the era

Architecture and Buildings of 1909

Buildings completed and structures opened in 1909

More About 1909

What Was Happening — A journey through the years