Alex Palmer

Joined: Nov 3, 2015

Alex Palmer is a freelance writer and the author of The Santa Claus Man: The Rise and Fall of a Jazz Age Con Man and the Invention of Christmas in New York.

An illustration of the Vril-Ya Bazaar and Fete.

The Strange Story of the Vril-Ya Bazaar and Fête, the 'World's First Sci-Fi Convention'

13 Facts About Boss Tweed

9 Secrets of People Who Answer Santa’s Mail

10 Historical Facts About Santa Letters

When Americans Outlawed Christmas

Puritan settlers viewed the holiday as dangerous and degrading.

15 Adaptive Re-Uses for Old Mines

From mushroom farms to spas to amusement parks, these mines have had a second life.

15 of the Most Brazen Ponzi Schemes in Business History

Remember: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

The Gun-Loving Boy Scouts of the Early 20th Century

100 years ago, a competing version of the Boy Scouts of America drove its rival crazy—when its members weren’t shooting each other.

10 Surprising Early Versions of Santa Claus

Whether he's skinny, smoking, or sexy, see how Santa looked before he became the jolly, rotund elf we know today.

11 Facts You Might Not Know About Christmas Trees

From contentious early history to modern science, these Christmas tree facts will help you see these holiday fixtures anew.

10 Surprising Secrets From New York City’s History

The tubes that once delivered mail, the borough that almost wasn't, and the original color of the Statue of Liberty.

Coney Island Gambling Wheel

This colorful wheel with dragons for spokes tells us a little about the glory days of Coney Island.

Which City Has the Tastiest Tap Water?

For 25 years, hydration enthusiasts have gathered at the Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting to figure out which tap water is tops.