Judge — November 26, 1887 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of "Judge" Magazine Cover, November 26, 1887 This Thanksgiving-themed cartoon depicts a humorous domestic scene titled "Preparing for Thanksgiving—'Layin' for that Turkey.'" The illustration shows what appears to be a rural or working-class household with a bearded man and woman plotting to catch a turkey for their holiday meal. The turkey is depicted prominently in the yard near a "Cleveland Hen House" structure. The scene humorously captures the practical, often undignified preparations ordinary families undertook to procure holiday poultry. The "Cleveland" reference on the hen house likely alludes to President Grover Cleveland (in office 1885-1889), suggesting contemporary political satire typical of Judge magazine's style—layering topical references into everyday humorous situations for added comedic resonance among readers familiar with current events.