Judge — July 28, 1917 — page 3: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of "Bill Hess, the Barber, Starts the Fly Swatting Crusade at Yapp's Crossing" This cartoon depicts a busy street scene at "Yapp's Crossing" where various businesses and townspeople gather around a fly-swatting campaign initiated by Bill Hess, a local barber. The visible storefronts include a barbershop (Tristram and Hyatt), a Chamber of Commerce, an ice cream parlor (Chichester's), and other establishments. The satire appears to mock small-town civic enthusiasm—showing how a simple public health initiative (swatting flies, a legitimate Progressive-era hygiene concern) generates bustling community activity and excitement. The crowded, chaotic street scene suggests the humorous overreaction of townspeople to this grassroots crusade, poking fun at small-town culture and civic boosterism typical of Judge magazine's satirical approach.