CALIFORNIA RANCHER ORDERS COFFIN EQUIPPED WITH RADIO RECEIVER
Los Angeles, California (JFK+50) On July 18, 1925, Associated Press reports that an elderly rancher who lives in the San Fernando Valley* "has ordered" a $1200 steel coffin specially equipped with a radio receiving set."
It seems Mr. Sam R. Kimball "is convinced" that the soul lingers close to the body until the day of judgment so as he lies in his coffin awaiting that day, he can keep up with "what is going on in the world."
*San Fernando Valley is a 260 square mile area north of the Los Angeles, California Basin. Today it is described as an urbanized valley comprising a large portion of the city of Los Angeles.
JFK+50 NOTE
The Christian belief is that the soul separates from the body after death to await resurrection of the body. During this "intermediate" state, the soul is conscious and in God's presence.
If Mr. Sam was around today instead of a century ago, however, he might well order a coffin with bluetooth capability & instructions for an I-phone to be put in his shirt pocket tuned to his news app of choice.
SOURCE
"Orders Radio Set On Coffin to Hear Events In World," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., July 18, 1925, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
