Judge — December 8, 1917 — page 13: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page mocks the early 20th-century craze for collecting decorative "souvenir spoons"—miniature spoons commemorating places and institutions. Each cartoon depicts a humorous scenario at a famous American military or naval location: Plattsburg, Fort Myer, Annapolis, Dayton (aviation), Newport Naval Reserve, and West Point. The satire appears to criticize either the commercialization of these institutions through trivial merchandise, or perhaps the militaristic enthusiasm of the era. The illustrations show people awkwardly obtaining these spoons—some in compromising or absurd situations—suggesting the ridiculous nature of collecting such items as meaningful mementos. The page likely appeals to Judge magazine's audience by poking fun at what was probably seen as a frivolous consumer trend, while simultaneously referencing America's military preparedness during a period of growing defense consciousness.