Judge, 1908-03-07 · page 16 of 16
Judge — March 7, 1908 — page 16: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a children's adventure comic strip, not political satire. It follows Little Johnny and anthropomorphic teddy bears on a seaside vacation that goes awry. The plot: The group embarks on a pleasant boat trip but is struck by mysterious illness—they cannot eat or drink and grow desperately hungry. A steward with a food tray frustrates them by hurrying past. The hungry children pursue him through the ship in comedic chaos. Eventually they land on a pleasant shore, their appetites restored and spirits recovered. The "joke" is simply the physical humor of seasickness and ravenous hunger afflicting the young travelers. There's no apparent political commentary—it's straightforward entertainment for Judge magazine's readers, likely appealing to families. The title references the then-popular "Teddy Bear" toys (named after President Theodore Roosevelt), making it timely consumer culture content rather than satire.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Mage LITTLE JOHNNY AND THE TEDDY BEARS. THEY SEEK A PLEASANT SOUTHERN SHORE, AND FEEL A PANG NE’ER FELT BEFORE. 1. John’s long vacation has begun; . But hardly have they left the land School's over, now’s the time for fun. When some strange ill attacks the band. The Teds and Johnny hear with glee They cannot eat, they cannot drink, Of a delightful trip by sea. They almost hope the ship will sink. a Johnny's ith kindly care 4. They see a steward with a tray, Late: tee race te poripeigd But OF he hastens on his-way. ‘Then soon they feel in haps " And look about and long for food. « hungry mob at once pursue; I'm sure T would have done it too. 6. With roaring appetites like that, They'll all be getting very fat. Yet they are glad to land once more Upon a new and pleasant shore. PIVTH AVE. AND MADISON SQUARE. NEW YORK, dy in handsome bookeform. Price, 60 cents. For sale comicbooks.com