Judge — July 31, 1920 — page 12: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Politics at Yapp's Crossing" This is a crowded street scene drawn by Johnny Gruelle depicting a small-town commercial district. The cartoon satirizes local small-town life through various labeled businesses: Dr. Stanley Rinthart's Hospital, Monte Somm's general store, Curt Thornton's Barber Shop, Emen Rineck's shop, and Appo's Crossing Tavern. The title "Politics at Yapp's Crossing" suggests the cartoon mocks how politics permeates even the most mundane small-town activities—the gathering crowds, the busy commerce, and everyday interactions all become sites of political discourse and local maneuvering. The chaotic, densely-populated scene captures the competitive social dynamics of rural American life, where local merchants and citizens navigate commerce, gossip, and influence within their tight-knit community. The humor lies in treating minor local affairs with mock-serious political significance.