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Today on Celebrate the Bible:
At one time in America, nearly every hotel and motel room had a Gideons bible next to the bed. But did you ever see one of these? Its known as the BibleGraph.
The BibleGraph was available throughout the Hilton Hotel chain. This occurred mostly from the late 1940’s through the early 1950’s. It allowed patrons to dial in up to 36 individual questions. There were 18 questions per side. Patrons received scripture-based answers to each question asked.
It states “Many of our guests have requested a copy of the BibleGraph for their personal use. Therefore, if you would like to have this copy, please feel free to take it with you when you leave.” Conrad N. Hilton, President
The BibleGraph states that it “will help you solve the 36 most troublesome questions of modern, everyday life. If the same questions persist for the next day, the Biblegraph gives you references for up to seven days. After that, it suggests that you choose a similar question to continue.
Each question has one week of answers. As a result, the total number of scripture-based answers amounts to 252 (7 x 36). To get an answer to any one of the 36 questions, simply dial in the question. Then choose the day of the week printed on the wheel. The wheel would give book, chapter, and verse related to the question.
I’ve included photos that show all of the questions. If you are listening to this as a podcast, and would like to see the photos, please go to celebratethebible250.com
For those who do not have access to the photos, I’ll give a few random questions here. These are taken directly from the wheel:
We have: Are you in serious trouble?; Are you quick to anger?; Are you driven to jealousy? … And on the reverse … Are you lonely?; Do you feel inferior?; and Are you afraid to face the future? … as just a few examples.
The BibleGraphs were manufactured in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 1634 Spruce street, as a matter of fact.
I should also mention that the Hilton Hotel chain was not the only organization to offer the BibleGraph. It was manufactured so that any organization could have their name printed on the wheel.
In one of my other photos, you’ll notice the BibleGraph was also offered by the Billy Graham New York Evangelistic Crusade. Many others exist as well.
So, until we meet again, and for “Celebrate the Bible 250” this is Francis Douglas. If you’re interested in learning more about the History of the Christian Holy Bible in America, please subscribe now.
America 250 Semiquincentennial Bible Celebration 