A Date with Number 9 — The Rest of Their Lives

1890

The New York Tribune draws attention to the fact that for 110 years to come, no man, woman or child will write the current date without using the figure 9; for nineteen years during that period two 9's must be written — in 1899, 1909, 1919, 1929, 1939, 1949, 1959, 1969, 1979, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1995, 1997, 1998; and for one year — 1999 — three 9's will have to be set down. Of the people now living, it is safe to say that not one will ever write the date of his or her time without using a 9. Besides minding their p's and q's, the next three generations much give particular heed to their 9's. Nine has never been regarded as a particularly lucky number, but beyond question the years in which it will hold so conspicuous a place will bring benefits of undreamed of value to the world.

—New Oxford Item, New Oxford, PA, Feb. 28, 1890, p. 6.