Judge, 1908-04-25 · page 11 of 24
Judge — April 25, 1908 — page 11: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This six-panel comic from *Judge* (circa 1906) celebrates the "Teddy Bear" craze—stuffed animals named after President Theodore Roosevelt. The story follows Little Johnny and his teddy bears attempting to greet the American fleet with patriotic enthusiasm. The satire is gentle and promotional: the bears are portrayed as patriotic mascots whose bumbling antics (too many bears cramming the boat, accidentally knocking an admiral overboard) ultimately endear them to sailors. The "crash" and admiral's tumble become an opportunity for the bears to heroically help rescue him, earning the sailors' gratitude. The humor relies on absurdist slapstick—anthropomorphized bears treated as legitimate naval participants—while the underlying message promotes both the teddy bear merchandise and American naval pride during Roosevelt's presidency. The final text advertises the story collection, confirming this is partly advertising disguised as entertainment.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
LITTLE JOHNNY AND THE TEDDY BEARS. THE TEDS, UNDAUNTED BY DEFEAT, AS HEROES GO ABOARD THE FLEET. 1. ‘The ‘Teds and John resolve to greet 2. John’s effort brings them to the boat With welcome warm our glorious fleet. From which the admiral’s ensigns tloat. So, waving flags and glad in heart, But disappointment comes, alack ! “They get a skiff and seaward start A sailor tells them to go back. 3. “Too many bears,” they hear him say. 4. ‘Then in an instant comes a crash— “The ‘Teds are filled with sad dismay. A tush, a scream, and then a splash! But while they sit in sorrow there Man overboard!" A wild commotion— A piercing cry rings through the air, “The admiral ’s tumbled in the ocean! 5. Before alarm bells can be rung— 6. And now upon the deck they stand, life belt can be flung ‘To take the grateful sailor’s hand. ddies rush with helpful shout Hip, hip, hurrah, for Tar and Bear! h the dripping admiral out Salutes and cheers ring through the air, COPYRIGHT, 190%, WY JUDGE COMPANY, FUBLINERS. FIFTH AVENUE AND MADISON AQUAMH, NIEW YORK ‘The 7irst Series of the adventures of “Little Johany and the Teddy Bears” in now ready in handsome book form. Price, 60 cents. For sale « iy book dealers everywhere, or sent postpaid upon receipt of price by Judge Company, Filth Avenue and’ Madison Square, New York. comicbooks.com