Life, 1895-07-18 · page 3 of 16
Life — July 18, 1895 — page 3: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of Life Magazine Page (Volume XXVI, Number 655) This page contains satirical sketches and jokes typical of early 20th-century American humor. The main illustration depicts two women in conversation titled "In Philadelphia," discussing New York experiences. The woman on the right mentions visiting "the Bible House" and getting new spectacles—likely referencing a specific Philadelphia landmark. The accompanying jokes mock working-class life and social pretension. "Changed" comments on human ambition through travel. The "First New Worker" dialogue satirizes Brooklyn residents' willingness to compromise morals for drinks. "Enough to Begin On" jokes about boarding costs and romantic expectations. The humor relies on contemporary social observations about regional differences, class aspiration, and urban life—details that require period knowledge to fully appreciate.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
IAD WAY | A1O8Ss, RTH cour newet TS an} | hougi | ORE! Say venient surpes ned, she ioe” os D3 342] xn stor] ind $75 el fraz) ularly § 15nd | neath} , $3.5! VOLUME XXVI. NUMBER 655. IN PHILADELPHIA. “Dip YOU HAVE A GAY Time IN New York ?" “Yes, INDEED; WE WENT ALL THROUGH THE BinLe HOUSE, AND 1 GOT FITTED TO A NEW PAIR OF SPECTACLES.” CHANGED. E used to be the meekest man In all the human race ; But since he bought a bicycle He travels on his face. IRST NEW YORKER: I went over to Brooklyn last sW YORKER: Well, well! do almost anything for a drink. Some people will ENOUGH TO BEGIN ON. HE: Father says if he comes to live with us he expects to pay board. How much do you think I ought to charge him ? HE: That depends. If he is satisfied with only a hall bedroom, I think about $4,000 a year would be enough. §©QUGAR,” remarked Johnny, as he lifted several lumps to his open face, “has reached the top notch, and a drop may be expected.”