Judge, 1920-03-20 · page 7 of 36
Judge — March 20, 1920 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Spring Notes: Early Automobile Humor This page from *Judge* magazine contains automotive humor targeting early 1900s motorists. The main article, "Spring Notes" by Harry Irving Shumway, offers tongue-in-cheek advice for spring driving season, playfully treating car maintenance using automotive terminology applied to social situations. The satire works by extending mechanical jargon to human "friends who are wont to bum their transportation"—freeloaders seeking rides. Shumway humorously suggests these companions need "cleaning and rubbing down with oil" like vehicles, and warns against "squeaky friends." The picnic basket instructions deliberately confuse car parts (cork floats, pressure gauges, gaskets) with food items (eggs, sandwiches), creating absurdist comedy about motorists' spring excursions. This reflects the era when automobiles were still novel luxuries, and elaborate preparations—plus uninvited passengers—were common frustrations for early car owners.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
SEES Drawn by Jons Coxsrucn Jest 8 ont ye Aut Quiet Aone tue Rusicon Spring Notes By Harry Irvinc Suumway torist when he emerges from his hibernation in the spring. He has been told how to jack up his car during the winter so his income won't skid. But in the spring he must come forth faintly remember- ing how to drive, and that is about all. To guide his footsteps these few rules O' course there are many admonitions for the mo- miles with a tonneau full of friends who are absolutely noiseless. One of the really important items for a successful season is the picnic basket and lunch. The compression of the hot coffee bottle should be looked after first. It will be found on examination that the rings leak and a decided loss of power are written. Selah! All the friends who are wont to bum their transportation should be thoroughly cleaned and rubbed down with oil. Nothing rides harder than a squeaky friend. Many motorists neglect this little job and regret it Jater some day up around the White Moun- tains. A little graphite may be used with good results in some stubborn cases. You will feel well results. The cork float should be wiped off and a perfect fit insured. A little grinding compound will fix this troublesome thing. The hard-boiled eggs should be tested by the gauge to see if the correct pressure is there. should _ register sixty-five pounds. The tongue sandwiches must have new gaskets; throw the old ones away. You don’t save a thing this way. repaid in the days to follow for your trouble when you can ride for Drawn by Cuawrono Yo tainly the image of you! Caller—I hope it won't spoil the child to hear it, but she is cer- 7 Get out your Blue Book and the family Almanac de Gotha and comicbooks.com