Judge, 1909-05-29 · page 15 of 20
Judge — May 29, 1909 — page 15: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This satirical poem mocks the social climbing and materialism of the emerging American middle class in the early 1900s. The narrative voice describes how purchasing a limousine has dramatically transformed the family's social status—neighbors now respect them, the mother receives tea invitations, and the shy daughter attracts suitors. The joke exposes the hollowness of this newfound respect: it's based entirely on conspicuous consumption rather than genuine character or accomplishment. The final reveal—"Although we're deep in debt since pa has bought a limousine"—undercuts all the previous bragging, suggesting the family has overextended financially to maintain appearances. This reflects broader Progressive Era anxieties about automotive culture, conspicuous consumption, and the fragility of social status in rapidly changing American society. The satire suggests that American values had become dangerously superficial and debt-driven.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
SINCE PA HAS BOUGHT A LIMOUSINE. The neighbors never pass us by unno- | ticed any mor | They've ceased to’ tilt their noses high the way they did befor We're not looked down on by the Browns or snubbed by Mrs. Green There’s been a sudden change since pa has bought a limousine. I World's Best 8 & Bitters Nothing better for traveler or stay- | at-home. Prevents ‘kness and in- creases health. Ma gets invited out to tea or something every day, | And boys that used to hoot at me have | pleasant things to say; The callers come in style and show an interest that's keen Inus and our affairs since pa has bought Sold Everywhere. a limousine. . LUYTIES BROTHERS, U.S. Agents, New York. ‘ . | Sis used to sit here lookin’ glum, be- cause no beau would call, But now you ought to see them come!— they line up in the hall; Ma_ used to often fret, but she has learned to be serene Although we're deep in debt since pa has bought « limousine. —Chicago Kecord-Herald, EUROPE. * Overholt Rye ! Produced by skill and prac- tice through- out a Century ORTHODOX, wer to the question, “What Holy ture bear upon 1 cruelty to animals boy said of experience. “Cruel people often ett dogs’ tails Without exa; and cars, but the Bible “Those | geration, we | whom God hath joined together let no believe it to be | man put asunde Christian Regs the best whis- | ister. key ever pro- duced by any- |} body any- where, FROM HER VIEWPOINT. Stout lady (in theater, to youth who her hat)—“Sit isn’t fit for a boy like Fliegende Blaetter, has asked her to still. The pl you to se A. OVERHOLT & CO. Pittsburgh, Pa, SCISSORETTES. 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