Judge, 1926-03-27 · page 19 of 36
Judge — March 27, 1926 — page 19: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains three satirical pieces: **"Exterior Decoration"** (top left): Mocks architectural pretension. Architects spend two years researching Italian Renaissance, Tudor, Chinese temples, and Gothic structures—only to apply all this scholarly effort to designing a *gas station* in rural Kansas. The satire targets the absurdity of applying grandiose architectural ambition to mundane commercial structures. **"If we all behaved like censors"** (top right): A visual gag showing building decorators working in awkward, constrained positions—apparently illustrating how ridiculous overzealous censorship becomes when applied rigidly. **"Amateur Magic"** (bottom): A guest performer's "disappearing act" involves him literally leaving the party after being asked to retrieve his own coat and hat. The joke plays on the term "disappearing act"—he performs magic by vanishing as a guest, avoiding further obligation to entertain. All three pieces use ironic deflation of expectations: grand efforts yield petty results, and professional language masks ordinary human behavior.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Antiquated.” 4! 1, 3 a > “T can’t intro- adiice you, ante % quated with her.” Exterior Decoration Anautects were sent scurrying to Southern Europe to study the best examples of Italian Renaissance. Others hastened to rural England to copy typical Tudor buildings. In sunny Spain and in remotest parts of China others sketched temples, pa- godas, dwellings and courtyards. Hundreds of skilled men delved through research volumes for the best authorities on Gothic structure. Finally, after two years of wandering, they gathered in the long assembly hall. Each rose to his fect and read a carefully prepared paper on the results of his investi . A tense, almost solemn atmosphere pervaded the hall. Next to me sat the Eliza- bethan authority, sketching beautiful on a blotter. cuse me, sir,” I whispered, “but are you planning to erect some massive cathedral, some glorious temple of the arts or possibly a sumptuous home for some great millionaire?” “Don't be. silly,” he answered, “The Consolidated Gasoline Cor- poration is thinkin’ of puttin’ up another filling station out in Hicks- ville, Kan.” Hugh Wood If we all behaved like censors. Amateur Magic Te man who did tricks had per- formed nobly for his guests of the evening. Too nobly, perhaps. “Now,” said the sleepy looking drummerfrom thenext block,“can you find my c and Ill do a little act.” “Certainly,” said the amateur ma- gician. “I need my hat, too,” said the salesman. “Very well,” nodded the host, going for the headgear. “What's your stunt?” asked the magician’s wife, anxious} “Well,” sighed the drummer, put- ting on his hat, “it’s a little dis- appearing act all my own.” And in a moment he was gone. James A, Sanaker comicbooks.com