Life, 1888-05-31 · page 17 of 20
Life — May 31, 1888 — page 17: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is primarily a **travel advertisement** rather than political satire. The illustration depicts a romantic pastoral scene: a well-dressed couple on horseback being led by a small figure (possibly a guide or servant) through a mountainous landscape labeled "Garden of the Gods"—a real Colorado attraction. The text promotes Denver as a vacation destination accessible via the Burlington Route railroad, emphasizing the convenience of sleeping cars and a reasonable fare ($45 round-trip from Chicago). The satirical element, if present, is subtle: the idealized romantic imagery may gently mock the aspirations of middle-class travelers seeking leisure and sophistication. The "Garden of the Gods" reference invokes classical mythology, suggesting Colorado resorts offer an escape to paradise—likely an exaggeration meant to be slightly tongue-in-cheek. The page functions primarily as commercial promotion rather than social commentary.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Sum met LEASUAES anville. = oa IN THE GARDEN OF THE GOO0S . NRL) Where Shall We Spend the Summer? Amid the Delights of Colorado. ENVER, the gateway to all Colorado resorts, is reached from Chicago in thirty-three hours via the BURLINGTON ROUTE. It is the only line by which one can go from Chicago to Denver without being more than one night on the road. The only line running through sleeping cars between Chicago and Denver. Fare for the trip from Chicago to Denver and return only $45.00. For further information regarding the resorts of Colorado, and how to reach them, address E. J. SWORDS, H. D. BADGLEY, General Eastern Agent, New England Passenger Agent, 317 Broadway, New York. 306 Washington St., Boston. PAUL MORTON, General Passenger and Ticket Agent, C. B. & Q. R.R., Chicago, Il. Send six cents in postage stamps to Paul Morton, Chicago, for an illustrated book about Colorado and the Garden of the Gods, comicbooks.com