January 11, 1902: Introducing Popular Mechanics

Today is the 105th anniversary of the first issue of Popular Mechanics, a publication whose subtitle originally included the phrase "written so that you can understand it". Popular Mechanics was the brainchild of Henry Haven Windsor, a visionary who understood the appeal of technology and the power of plain language. Colorful cover art, helpful illustrations, and plenty of pictures also contributed to the magazine's popularity. Originally, Popular Mechanics was published as a weekly journal. As editor, Windsor provided commentaries that complemented stories drawn from other sources. During a time of rapid technological change, many Americans learned about the workings of automobiles, airplanes, and radios from the pages of Popular Mechanics. Less than a year after its initial publication date of January 11, 1902, the magazine enjoyed a circulation of 20,000. By 1909, Popular Mechanics reached 200,000 readers.

During its first decade of life, Popular Mechanics evolved from a heavily-edited technological journal to a source of information about consumer products. Increased advertising revenue made Henry H. Wilson a wealthy man, but his untimely death placed the magazine at a crossroads. At age 26, Wilson's son and namesake inherited the responsibilities of a publishing business along with wealth that allowed him to split his time between homes in Winnetka, Illinois and Palm Beach, Florida. To his credit, Henry H. Wilson, Jr. assumed the mantle of editor and expanded his father's publishing empire by starting foreign editions of Popular Mechanics and founding Windsor Publishing, Popular Mechanics Press, and Science Digest. As the circulation of Popular Mechanics grew to over 2 million, Wilson started the Industrial Award Plan to recognize enterprising mechanical engineers. His reporters also keep their fingers on the pulse of new technologies. During World War II, the U.S. government asked Popular Mechanics to stop reporting on atomic energy because of the accuracy and currency of its coverage.