The idea of time travel has always intrigued humanity. From the pages of science fiction novels to the silver screen, the concept of moving through time has fascinated us for decades. Yet, despite countless theories and wild imaginations, time travel remains firmly in the realm of fiction. Or does it?
A peculiar video shot over 80 years ago has recently resurfaced online, sparking debate and wonder. The clip, which originally appeared in a 1938 documentary film, seems to show a typical day for factory workers in Massachusetts. But one woman in the background has captured the attention of viewers, leaving many questioning the possibility of time travel.
In this black-and-white footage, shared by Leominster Access Television on YouTube, a young woman appears to be holding a device to her ear, resembling what many today would recognize as a cell phone. As she walks alongside her co-workers, she seems to be chatting cheerfully, lowering her hand occasionally before returning it to her ear. The device she holds fits snugly in her palm, looking remarkably similar to the cell phones we use today.
The video gained traction after being shared by Scoop View, where it quickly went viral. The caption read, “Time Traveler in 1938 film caught talking on a cell phone in 1938 coming out of a Dupont Factory in Massachusetts.” The idea of a cell phone existing in the 1930s—a time when even basic landlines were still a luxury for many—was enough to send the internet into a frenzy.
As the clip racked up over 1.8 million views, speculation ran wild. Some were quick to embrace the idea of a time traveler, marveling at the thought of someone using a device that shouldn’t have existed for another 70 years. “Wow. Not only time traveling but cell phones that communicate with cell towers that will not exist for 70 years. That’s amazing,” commented one viewer, @rangerhawk. Another, @phillipbedwell8424, added, “This video is cool. She can time travel by making wireless calls while everyone else only has home phones. That’s really smart.”
But not everyone was convinced. Skeptics pointed out that the video quality wasn’t clear enough to definitively identify the object in the woman’s hand. Some suggested it could be a pocketbook, a small radio, a hearing aid, or even a wallet. “Just because she has something in her hand, which is not clearly identifiable, does not mean it’s a cell phone,” noted @raven21633.
As the debate raged on, a surprising revelation came to light. The mystery woman’s great-grandchild stepped forward to provide some much-needed clarity. According to the Mirror, the woman in question was named Gertrude Jones, who was just 17 years old at the time the video was shot. Her great-grandchild explained that Jones was indeed holding a wireless device, but it wasn’t a cell phone as we know it today.
“The lady you see is my great-grandmother Gertrude Jones. She was 17 years old. I asked her about this video and she remembers it quite clearly. She says DuPont had a telephone communications section in the factory,” the great-grandchild revealed.
It turns out that DuPont, a company well-known for its innovations, was experimenting with early wireless communication technology at the time. Jones and five other workers were asked to test these experimental devices, which were similar to walkie-talkies. “Gertrude is talking to one of the scientists holding another wireless phone who is off to her right as she walks by,” the great-grandchild added.
In fact, the invention of the walkie-talkie can be traced back to 1937, when Canadian inventor Don Hings developed the first version of the device. Given the technological advancements of the time, it’s entirely plausible that Jones was using an early prototype of a wireless phone, designed for internal communication within the factory.
While the notion of time travel remains a tantalizing idea, the truth behind this 1938 video appears to be rooted in the real, albeit remarkable, technological progress of the era. The story of Gertrude Jones serves as a reminder that innovation has always been a part of human history, sometimes leading to moments that seem to defy the limits of their time.
In the end, the video may not prove the existence of time travelers, but it does offer a fascinating glimpse into the past—one that continues to captivate and inspire the imagination of viewers today.
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