MUNDANE MYSTERIES: Why Are They Called “Bobby Pins”?

When someone needs to keep their hair in place (or they need to try & pick a lock at the spur of the moment), they’ll often reach for a bobby pin. But why are they called bobby pins in the first place? Did someone named Bobby have anything to do with their creation?

Well, no…not really. Bobby pins got their name from the bob hairstyle trend that was popular in the early 1900s. At the time, women typically sported longer hair. But when dancer Irene Castle opted for a shorter cut, her fans followed suit. But a lot of beauty salons actually refused to cut their female clients’ hair that short, which meant many women had to go to barbers. (Hair salons eventually relented as the style persisted well into the 1920s.) The style, by the way, was named the “Castle bob” for a while (in honor of the woman who made the style popular), but eventually shortened to become just “the bob.” And to keep the hair fixed in place, special hair clips were often used. And those hair clips became known as bobby pins.

Got a Mundane Mystery you’d like solved? Send me an email at [email protected].

BROUGHT TO YOU BY: BPG USA

House of the Week – 1/19/24

🏡💕 Get ready to fall head over heels for this entertainer’s dream home, nestled in a serene, tree-lined corner lot!

What’s inside?
🌳 A stunning split-level with amazing curb appeal
🛋️ Expansive open concept living area with cathedral ceilings and Argentinian Oak floors
🔥 Cozy stone surround gas fireplace
🍳 Gourmet kitchen featuring:
   – Oversized island/breakfast bar 
   – Beautiful granite counters & ample cabinets
   – Stainless steel appliances including a gas cooktop

🌞 Bright with skylights and a large picture window

More to adore:
🧼 Mudroom, full bath with roman shower & laundry with built-in cabinetry
🛏️ Three bedrooms on the upper floor
🛁 Remodeled primary & full hall baths (2008)
🖥️ Finished lower level with family room, wood-burning fireplace & home office
🌲 Sprawling rear lawn with gazebo & fenced area for pets
🎶 Built-in indoor/outdoor Bose sound system

Extra perks:
🚗 Insulated loft in the oversized 2-car garage + large storage shed
🛁 Hot tub & top-notch Napoleon gas grill included
🏠 New roof & windows
🔥 Dual heaters & water heaters for energy efficiency

Close to highways, shops & dining! This home truly ticks all the boxes. Don’t miss out – schedule your visit today!

WFRE Storm Center: Wednesday, January 17, 2024

CLOSINGS & CANCELLATIONS

Adams County Head Start – Closed 

Berkeley County Schools (PreK-12)  closed. All evening activities are canceled. 

Jefferson County Schools – Closed 

Morgan County Schools  closed for in-person learning. This is a  Non-Traditional Instructional Day. Employees will follow reporting code A. 

Howard County Public Schools – Code orange – Closed for Students, a delay for offices and liberal leave in effect. 

Frederick Couny Public Schools – scheduled day off for students, two hour delay for staff 

Montgomery County Schools – Closed, offices opening 2 hours late, eligible 11 and 12 month employees may telework 

Washington County Schools – Closed (update) 

Carroll County Public Schools will open two late 

Loudoun County Public Schools – Closed 

Clarke County Public Schools closed – offices and buildings will open at 11:00 . 

Fairfiled Area Schools – Two hour delay 

Geeencastle Antrim Schools – two hour delay 

Gettysburg Area School Disctrict – two Hour Delay 

Waynesboro Area Schools – Two hour delay 

Littlestown School District – Two hour delay 

St. John’s Regional Catholic School – 2 hour delay 

St. John’s Catholic Prep High School – 2 hour delay, opening at 10AM 

Frederick Christian Academy – Two Hour Delay 

New Life Christian Academy – opening at 10, staff report at 9:30 

Banner School – 2 hour delay, no morning extended care 

Mother Seton School – Two Hour Delay 

Frederick  Adventist Academy – Two hour delay, doors opening at 10, before care at 9. 

ECHO of Leesburg – two hour delay 

Shepherd University – Closed 

Hood College – Offices will operate under flexible remote option 

Federal Government –  OPEN and have the option of allowing unscheduled leave/telework 

Fort Detrick is open with optional unscheduled  leave – All offices at Fort Detrick are open, and employees must report to work on time. Non-Emergency Employees have the option for unscheduled leave or unscheduled telework, pending supervisor approval. 

Maryland State Government – Emergency Essential Employees should report as Scheduled. Non-emergency essential employees who report to an office may use liberal leave upon supervisor notification.  

Washington County Government – liberal leave in effect for all nonessential employees 

City of Frederick – offices and facilities opening at 10AM 

Howard County Government – Liberal Leave 

Washington County Courts – Washington County District Court will be opening at 10:00am. Staff are to report at 9:30am.