1926: Renowned magician and escape artist Harry Houdini dies. During his lifetime, Houdini devoted much of his energies to debunking spiritualists and mediums who claimed they could contact the dead. He claimed that if there were truly a way to contact the living after one's death, he would do so. He set up a code with his wife Bess, who faithfully attended seances and awaited his return for ten years, after which time she gave up.

1990s: "Psychic hotlines," telephone numbers people can call to speak with someone who offers advice through various extra-sensory means, become extremely popular and are endorsed by various celebrities.

1929: Wall Street's Dow Jones Industrial Average reaches 381, up from 88 in 1924. On October 29, 16.4 million shares of stock are traded, prompting the Dow Jones to drop 30.57 points. Despite assurances by leading economists that no business depression is imminent, liquidation continues, prompting the Great...