Freedom in a Deck of Cards THE SECRET TOOLS OF WAR
James Bond gets the movie credit, but real spies in World War II were pulling tricks long before 007 hit the screen. Their work wasn’t flashy; it was desperate. The British intelligence agency MI9 and later the American MIS-X program were tasked with helping Allied soldiers escape Nazi prisons or avoid capture. That meant turning everyday objects into tools. Take the button compass. It looked like part of a soldier’s uniform, nothing more. But inside sat a tiny magnetic needle. Line it up on a string, and suddenly you knew which way was north. Hairbrushes carried folded maps or money. Monopoly boards weren’t just for killing time; they came with real bills mixed in, and if you saw a red dot on “Free Parking,” chances were good there was more than a game in the box. A few companies, including the U.S. Playing Card Company, also did their part. Soldiers could peel away the top layer of a card to uncover silk escape maps. Cigarette packs from the R.J.
Reynolds Tobacco Company carried radio parts. Gillette even made razor blades that acted like a compass if you balanced them on a stick. What’s remarkable is that the companies involved never asked for recognition or payment. Gillette, R.J. Reynolds, and the Playing Card Company volunteered and helped. And the gadgets kept coming. Radios hidden in suitcases. Hollow heels in boots with maps tucked inside. Even Ping-Pong paddles had secret compartments. Guards saw these items and didn’t give them a second thought. That was the point. Most of the devices were destroyed when the war ended. But enough stories survived to give us a glimpse. Clever doesn’t even begin to cover it. For many prisoners, a deck of cards or a shaving kit wasn’t just a distraction. It was a shot at freedom.
LOUISVILLE LIGHTS UP THE SEASON WITH THESE FREE HOLIDAY EVENTS
Light Up Louisville This is one of the most exciting free events in Louisville. This year’s event will take place on Dec. 6, 3–9 p.m., and it has something for everyone in the family. There will be a 200-drone holiday show, a video-mapping holiday show on Metro Hall, live entertainment on two different stages, a parade, free train rides, and even the opportunity to take a picture with Santa inside his house! If you’ve never experienced Light Up Louisville before, make it happen this year. You won’t regret it! Winter Wonderland at Shawnee Park As the sun sets, Shawnee Park will come to life with lights, music, and festive cheer during the Winter Wonderland celebration. You’ll get to drive through the park as over 200,000 lights illuminate the area. Choirs, music groups, and dancers will add to the festivities, and a laser light show will leave everyone in awe. This will be the fourth annual Winter Wonderland, and it’s gaining more traction every year!
The holiday season presents one of the best opportunities to get out and see the sights with our loved ones. The kids are out of school, everyone seems to be in high spirits, and we have so many things to do around Louisville to keep everyone entertained and jolly. If you’re looking for something free to do during the next few weekends, we have some ideas you will love! Crestwood Festival of Music, Trees & Nativities This year will mark the 15th celebration of the Festival of Music, Trees & Nativities at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Crestwood. There is no preaching; just beautiful displays of Christmas lights, trees, and of course, nativities. Because the church has missionaries around the world, they have nativities highlighting various cultures. They even have a live nativity. It is completely free and usually runs for two nights near the beginning of December. Check out CrestwoodNativities.com for more information!
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