Judge, 1917-12-22 · page 7 of 28
Judge — December 22, 1917 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a sentimental illustrated poem, not political satire. It depicts a restless young woman from a village who dreams of travel. Using a stereoscope (a Victorian viewing device showing 3D images), she mentally journeys through American cities—New York's Broadway, Santa Clara's orchards, Florida's orange blossoms—seeking fulfillment. The narrative's moral: after wandering through magnificent landscapes and urban wonders, she discovers true happiness not in exotic destinations but in romantic love. Meeting an honest young man, she realizes her "long-sought paradise" was personal connection, not travel. Her upcoming "wedding-trip" represents the ultimate journey. This reflects early-20th-century attitudes about female contentment—suggesting a woman's restless ambitions should ultimately resolve into marriage and domesticity, positioning love as life's supreme destination.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
WANDER L By MINNA IRVING A girl with dreamy eyes, And looked at views of city streets With discontented sighs. She yearned to leave her village home And stroll along Broadway, Where night was crowned with jeweled lights That changed it into day. S* sat before a stereoscope, SHE. trod the pavements of New York, The place of her desire, And gazed her fill at arch and bridge And monument and spire. She mingled with the hurrying throngs, But still unsatisfied Turned to the West, the wonder-land Of woods and waters wide. U S T IN Santa Clara's fruitful vale She breathed the rare perfume From orchards where eternal spring Was robed in snowy bloom, And then her roving spirit led Her ever restless feet To Florida, to stray among Its orange-blossoms sweet. RETURING home she met a youth, And in his ardent eyes Of clear and honest gray beheld Her long-sought paradise. She takes another journey soon,— The smile upon her lip Proclaims it is the best of all— It is her wedding-trip. comicbooks.com