Judge, 1921-01-22 · page 12 of 32
Judge — January 22, 1921 — page 12: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Judge Magazine Page Analysis This page contains several brief humorous pieces satirizing early 20th-century American life: **"Ballade of Last Year's Clothes"** (Tom Groves): A poem lamenting worn-out garments that no longer fit properly—shoes with worn soles, ill-fitting suits with shiny seats and baggy knees. The satire targets economic hardship, implying even middle-class readers must make do with shabby clothing rather than afford new wardrobes. The repeated refrain "Stay with me but one season more" suggests financial struggle during uncertain times. **The small comic sketches** mock everyday situations: a child's brutal honesty about a playmate (he hits after you fall), a student unable to articulate knowledge due to limited vocabulary, and operagoers unable to understand English-language opera. **The bottom illustration** appears to show a domestic scene with multiple figures, captioned about "settlement work"—likely referencing Progressive Era social welfare efforts. The overall tone is gently self-deprecating humor about economic constraint, poor education, and social awkwardness among ordinary Americans.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
True to tradition Fables and folk ta Yet to the winter winds I ily Stay with me but one season more of clothes of yore, The half-soled shoes that I daily seize And lace to my feet, once neat and trim, Now fitting more like a pair of skiis Serve for me yet, though it scems the rim Of their world is reached, and my mournful sigh Starts every time they touch the floor Or a spot in the road that’s not yet dry Envoy Prince, L care not for the social swim Peerage nor fame do L implore; But to my clothes I chant this hymn Stay with me but ene season more How It Was Mamma Willis—Why don't you like to play with the litthe boy next door? He plays fair doesn’t he? Willie Willis —Oh, yes. “And he doesn’t hit you when you're down docs he?” “No; but he might as well, He hits me every time I get up.’ Limited Vocabulary “What is the capital of Persia?” asked the teacher “IT know,” stammered the student, “but [can’t find the word to express it.” Grocer—Wuan. 1s Mas. Satern No Telling SHE 18 OUT DOING SETTLEMENT WoRK “Is this opera in English? fou 1 jek Ip Like To HER COM, OUND TO M CF No “MCan* . You rett wee Mp tix ave iB AROUND TO. SY PLACE A Can't say. [ve only heard the opening pO. LITTLE OF THAT ” . chorus. Ballade of Last Year’s Clothes ty Tom Groves B ROOPING like leaves in the last strong breeze | Flapping awry o'er cach chilling by limb, i You cling to me somehow, though every sneeze Threatens you so that my sight grows dim, \nd my voice chokes as I think if that I Soon may be dressed for some if south sea shore, What with the prices and things so i] high Ht | Shay with me but one season more. The fitted suit that I once did squeeze Over my form, eer I grew so slim, Shiny of seat and bagged of knees, — Drews by Masteroy Wiettass Still with determination grim, Girls—On, psuaw! Dox’t Let's stay—THeRe’s NoBoDY Hexe! 12 comicbooks.com