Life, 1890-06-26 · page 12 of 15
Life — June 26, 1890 — page 12: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 374 This page contains three satirical pieces reflecting late 19th/early 20th-century American culture: **Top cartoon**: References Nelly Bly, the famous journalist known for her around-the-world journey and investigative reporting. The joke mocks how her celebrity has reached rural America—a farmer thinks "Rajah of India receiving Nelly Bly on elephant back" is newsworthy country gossip. **"Sworn Off"**: A social commentary on the temperance movement. Two men discuss yachting; one has "signed the pledge" (abstaining from alcohol), satirizing how Prohibition sentiment was spreading among the upper classes. **"Knew Where He Was Going"**: A dark humor piece about a dying man choosing to take "the Atlantic Ocean" with him—absurdist humor about prioritizing luxury/escape over material possessions. **"Collegiate Education"**: Before/After drawings showing physical transformation through college, suggesting collegiate athletics produced muscular, confident men from studious types—commentary on changing educational values. The page reflects turn-of-the-century anxieties about Prohibition, celebrity culture, and educational modernization.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
ry IT HAS REACHED THE COUNTRY. HIRAM HITCHLEY, WHAT @?r YOU A DOIN’? Hiram: VMetu' Rajat oF INcta Recetvin' NELLY BLY ON ELEPHANT BACK, Mrs, Hitchley: THE, NEW"YORKER'SEVERSION. THE COLLEGIATE EDUCATION. LF atebenes Bie ws, What care we how Fair she be? SWORN OFF. LEVERTON: Are you going yachting this season ? DasuHaway: No; I've signed the pledge. KNEW WHERE HE WAS GOING. Stet, TOHN," said the wifeof the dying man, “your good fairy is here. and says that you can take one thing with you when you go—but only one.” " ae f “Thank her for me,” gasped the sick husband, TTONION: “and tell her I'll take the Atlantic Ocean.” Berore.