Judge, 1930-03-29 · page 11 of 36
Judge — March 29, 1930 — page 11: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# "The Old Folks at Home" — Judge Magazine Satire This story satirizes the hollowness of American success and the erosion of traditional family life by modern excess. John Jones, who left his hometown twenty years ago in disgrace, has become wealthy in the city. Returning home expecting a sentimental reunion, he finds his entire family has abandoned their modest roots: - His father attends Philadelphia orchestra recitals by plane - His mother lectures on Freudian psychology in Indianapolis - His sister serves jail time for Communist activism - The family's humble potato patch is now a tennis court; cows are replaced by pasteurized milk delivery The butler's final suggestion—that Jones must schedule visits weeks in advance—delivers the punchline: modern prosperity has made family connection impossible. The accompanying cartoon "The Zero Hour" depicts moral decay ("sin," "evil conscience," "punishment"), reinforcing the satirical message that material success corrupts traditional values and family bonds. The satire targets both nouveau riche pretension and the rapid social upheaval of the Jazz Age era.
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SOIREE TTR r ene Tt ae Tee The Old Folks at Home TT xesty years ago John Jones had left his home town under a cloud. In the big city he had tapped the cloud’s silver lining, and now, paunchy rous, laden with gifts, he was speeding home. Jones’ heart beat a little faster as his limousine darted up the familiar ind pros clu-lined avenue to his homestead. It and the air was richly It was Spring and hearts then the old house Up the front steps Jones, and his finger found was Spri perfume were tel came into view > bell. Vho is calling, please?” asked a uniformed butler from the foyer. “Where's dad—good, old, white- haired dad asked Jones. “If you mean Mr. Joshua Jones,” said the butler, “he has just taken off in his plane to attend the Philhar- monic Orchestra recital in w York, ut is.your name, pleas “Dm John Jones, his son. I haven't been home in twenty years. But quick, Jet me into the kitchen. I want to see mi ing one of her pies. ‘Your mother left for Indianapolis in the sport roadster, She is address- the Freudian Society on ‘A Plea for Esoteric Literature.’ There's no one in the kitchen but the Italian chef ind an upstairs girl.” n let me kiss my kid sister. an infant when I left and she must be in the flower of sweet young womanhood by now.” Ww She wa “Your sister is serving a ten-day JUDGE Atappix— jail sentence in Chicago for leading the Communists against the police.” “At least they've left me the old potato patch down by the creck,” begged Jones as a great disappoint- ment si do him, “The potato pateh has been con- verted into a tennis court for your father, who is the Chamber of Com- merce champion. ‘The creek has been The zero hour. iood Lord! another process server! filled in and is now State Highway oan” Jones clutched at a straw. “The cow “Sold years ago, sir, We get our grade A’ super-pasteurized milk in bottles from Chicago by airplane ex- press. Anything else, sir?” o, I guess not,” said Jones. “And [ might suggest, sir.” called the butler as Jones entered his car, at if you desire to visit your par: ents, it is advi to write their sec- 1 weeks in advance for »pointment.” —Anrtuur L, Lippmann retary sev Then there were the plumbers who went to the plumbers’ picnic and found that, as usual, they had forgot- ten their can-openers. A Chicago gangster died a natural death. That looks like a swell plot for a mystery yarn, Another great step toward interna- tional good will is the exchange of humor. We send our funniest diplo- mats to England and England sends her best prize ters over to us. Psittacosis may come and psittaco- sis may go, but the jokes about it probably will go on forever. comicbooks.com