Judge — April 28, 1894 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Having a Monkey of a Time" This Judge magazine cover from April 28, 1894 depicts a monkey dressed in human clothing balanced on a pole, with the caption: "Poor Polly—'Gracious! Papa Wilson won't know me when I get back to the house.'" The cartoon appears to satirize someone named Wilson—likely a public figure of that era—through the monkey caricature. The joke suggests Wilson's absence or neglect has allowed "Polly" (possibly his wife or family member) to behave wildly or misbehave ("having a monkey of a time"), with comedic concern about Wilson's reaction upon his return. The anthropomorphized monkey in gentleman's attire was a common satirical device of the 1890s for mocking social pretension or behavioral excess among the wealthy or politically connected.