February Saw Many Historical Events Unfold

From the Irish potato famine to the first electrical phonographic recording, February 1925 was a momentous month.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 7:04pm

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The month of February 1925 was filled with a variety of historical events that shaped the world. From the Irish President appealing to the U.S. for food aid due to a potato crop failure, to the famous Serum Run that saved the town of Nome, Alaska from a diphtheria outbreak, to the opening of Sears' first department store, February 1925 was a month of significant milestones.

Why it matters

This overview of the notable events that occurred in February 1925 provides insight into the diverse range of social, political, and technological developments that were taking place around the world during that time period. It highlights how February can be a pivotal month in shaping history, from emergency response efforts to major business and entertainment industry milestones.

The details

In early February 1925, Irish President W.T. Cosgrave appealed to the United States for food aid after a severe depletion of his country's potato crop due to heavy rainfall the previous summer and fall. Meanwhile, the small town of Nome, Alaska was saved from a diphtheria epidemic on February 2nd through the famous Serum Run, a transport of diphtheria antitoxin via dog sled. Sears, Roebuck, & Co. also opened its first department store at its headquarters in Chicago on February 2nd, expanding beyond its previous catalog-only operations. Other notable events that month included the premiere of the first film to feature special effects, "The Lost World", and the first electrical recording of a phonographic record by Art Gillham and his orchestra.

  • On February 1, 1925, Irish President W.T. Cosgrave appealed to the United States for food aid.
  • On February 2, 1925, the town of Nome, Alaska was saved from a diphtheria epidemic through the Serum Run.
  • On February 2, 1925, Sears, Roebuck, & Co. opened its first department store in Chicago.
  • On February 8, 1925, the film "The Lost World" premiered in New York City, the first production to include special effects.
  • On February 25, 1925, Art Gillham and his orchestra made the first electrical recording of a phonographic record.

The players

W.T. Cosgrave

The President of Ireland in 1925 who appealed to the United States for food aid due to a potato crop failure.

Gunnar Kaasen

The musher who led the final leg of the Serum Run that transported diphtheria antitoxin to Nome, Alaska in 1925.

Balto

The lead sled dog on Gunnar Kaasen's team during the final leg of the Serum Run, who became a canine celebrity as a result.

Sears, Roebuck, & Co.

The major American retail company that opened its first department store in Chicago in 1925, expanding beyond its previous catalog-only operations.

Art Gillham

The musician who made the first electrical recording of a phonographic record in 1925.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

February 1925 was a month filled with a diverse array of historical events, from emergency response efforts to major business and entertainment industry milestones. This overview highlights how February can be a pivotal month in shaping world events and the lasting impact they can have.