I assume (for I think obvious reasons) this is most popular in mountain towns or communities with large hills. But in my state particularly, it seems like every town with a high school has the big white letter on the hill. Most universities have one as well.

So I recently inherited a beautiful rifle from my grandfather. It is a BRNO ZKW 465, made in 1949. It was purchased in a gun show likely between 1949 and 1959, either from the manufacturer or a dealer. I believe he was the first private owner. He told me it was the centerpiece of the exhibit, and with the detailing on the stock I believe it. When he gave it to me, he told me that when my great-granfather purchased the rifle a picture of him and it was taken and put in the New York Times. Unfortunately, this article/photo was lost.

I'd love to recover something to back up this wonderful tale, and I'm not having much luck. I've searched the NYT online archives a dozen times now with variations, but I can't seem to locate anything on this gunshow or my great grandfather. Unfortunately, the manufacturer's website indicates they don't have records for sales prior to 1980, and the current American distributor does not have access to them either. Does anyone know of other sources I should investigate? Thanks!

Particulary I'm interested in Southern California but a broader geographical range would be acceptable.

Also any other suggestion for other periods of California history if there are any gems you know.

I've been reading about the Falaise Pocket, and it got me curious as to what happened to all the trucks, tanks, cars and artillery pieces that were destroyed on the field of battle. Where did it all go to be (presumably) recycled. Did the allies argue over who would get to keep what? It looks like a lot of money (in the form of metal tonnage). How did they divide the spoils? Where did it go and who did the recycling after it was removed from the battlefield?

The Islamic world used to be a beacon of knowledge, culture and tolerance. They invented a lot of stuff still used today and AFAIK are partly responsible for illuminism. What happened to them? How did they become so impoverished and violent?

When there were property requirements to vote in the United States were people who were buying their houses with a mortgage eligible to vote?