The article discusses the tradition of the “short snorter,” which is a collection of signed dollar bills that served as a secret society badge and autograph book. It originated with Alaskan bush pilots in the 1920s and became popularized by stunt pilot Jack Ashcraft in 1925. The tradition expanded during World War II, particularly among military personnel, who would sign each other’s short snorters as a good luck charm. Famous figures such as Dwight D. Eisenhower, Marlene Dietrich, and Winston Churchill participated in this tradition. Today, short snorters are valued as historical artifacts and can be found in museum collections.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short Snorters as historical artifacts | Shift from personal tradition to museum artifacts | Short snorters become more recognized and valued historical artifacts | Preservation of World War II history and aviation culture |
| Short snorters as a cultural tradition | Decline in popularity and practice | Short snorters become less common and eventually obsolete | Changes in travel and communication technology, shift in cultural practices |
| Short snorters as a form of personal expression | Transition from physical bills to digital signatures | Short snorters become virtual and electronic | Advancements in digital technology and online networking |
| Increased value and demand for short snorters | Increase in market value and sales of short snorters | Short snorters become more valuable collectibles | Growing interest in World War II memorabilia and historical artifacts |
| Integration of short snorters into museum collections | Recognition of short snorters as historical artifacts | Short snorters become part of museum exhibits | Efforts to preserve and showcase World War II history |