Judge, 1929-08-10 · page 4 of 36
Judge — August 10, 1929 — page 4: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of Judge Page This page contains two satirical pieces from an early 20th-century American magazine. **"Let There Be Lights!"** (top): A poem by Arthur L. Lippmann mocks a small town's attempts at modernization. It references a dying "one-horse country town" trying to attract visitors by installing traffic lights at Broad and Main streets—an anachronistic detail suggesting the town's decline despite cosmetic improvements. The skeleton illustration emphasizes the town is essentially dead, merely going through motions of progress. **"Home Study"** (bottom): A dialogue satirizes financial hardship, likely during economic depression. A father struggles with an alimony/support payment formula (referencing Numbers 1 from what appears to be a legal document), unable to make ends meet. The portable throne chair illustration jokes grimly that humiliation is a luxury for the desperate. Both pieces reflect anxieties about economic struggle and failed modernization in early 20th-century America.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“Take that as a warning, Pansy, and lay off them reducing creams.” Home Study “How are you getting along with the problem, Wi “Not so good, pa. I Now, if Number 1 is enti half what you make up to § month, and Number 2 should get one-third of the balance provid- ing it doesn’t exceed $35 a month, and Number 3 is to receive what is left, except $87.50 a month, and you are earning $345.67 a month. ... Aw, gee, pa, I guess I'll have to take your alimony tangle to school and see if teacher can figure it out!” —C. J. Let There Be Lights! My old home town has traffic lights That softly shine on summer nights. When Jenkins’ team comes walk- in’ slow The tr: signal flashes “GO.” When Simpkins drives in with a crop Of Garden truck the light says “STOP.” Though mebbe twenty car Are all that ever pass that way, The old home town, becomin’ vain, Hung up a light at Broad and Main, Where Abner Fleck, the ancient cop, Is Mogul now of Go-and-Stop. My old home town ain't done so well, It lacks an up-t Its census showed Or 80 alleged to be alive. It sure is old and tumble-down, That ancient, one-horse country town! But still it’s tryin’ hard to stage A come-back in this hectic age. And swecthearts, walkin’ two by two, Stroll down to Broad and Main to view The splendor of the traffic lights That softly shine on summer nights. —Arrtuvur L. Lirpaann -date hotel. me 95 The beer racket: “Sweet Ad- eline.” Most people feel humiliated to be put in the rumble seat. This portable throne chair is just the thing to satisfy them. comicbooks.com