Life, 1895-08-15 · page 5 of 14
Life — August 15, 1895 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 101 This page contains several humorous vignettes and social commentary typical of early 20th-century Life magazine satire. The top cartoon mocks children's exaggerated claims about summer heat and treats. The "Marks of Distinction" section satirizes wealthy families' ostentatious displays of luxury—specifically targeting the Astor and Oelrichs families, known for their extravagant lace collections and expensive wardrobes. The piece gently critiques how wealth is publicly advertised and the impossibility for ordinary people to compete. The "John Sykes Corset Factory" illustration appears to be a satirical advertisement or social commentary piece, though its specific target remains unclear from context. The remaining poems and short pieces offer gentle romantic and social humor typical of the magazine's content, with no clearly identifiable political figures or specific dated references.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
When the Thermometer is Melting in the Shade: BULLY—IT’S MORE COO! PINK LEMMINADE DOES!" “On! Bur tus 1s * THAN ICE CREAM, AN' MAKES ME FEEL BETTER'N MARKS OF DISTINCTION. E learn from the Boston Herald that The Astor family have many rich treasures in laces. Connoisseurs value them at not less than $350,000, Mrs. William Astor has a lace dress, recently made, which is valued at $28,000, beside an endless amount of hand- kerchiefs, fans, etc, Did the reporter get this from Mrs. Astor herself? It should be remembered, in read- ing these financial items, that the Astors are very rich, and women who live on one or two thousand a year should not try to compete with them in these luxuries. We also learn from the same paper that Mrs. Herman Oelrichs has many thousands of dollars invested in the costly material. She is one of those who have extensively increased her collection this past year. The dress Mrs. Oelrichs was married in, was of the finest and rarest lace, draped over satin, and of such ancient style, that the manufacture of it has long since become a lost art. It cost $10,000, but its like could not be purchased now for $50,000. Miss Virginia Fair, her bright winsome sister, who seems to be the reigning belle of Newport. is also quite as rich in laces as in jewels. Mrs. Oelrichs may take an honest pride in having it thoroughly advertised throughout the country that her gown is worth fifty thousand dollars, and we know of no law to prevent her “ bright winsome sister” taking a corresponding pride in her own achieve- ments, Modest merit should be encouraged. ALMOST A FIXTURE. OU say you came up from Florida by boat and rail without change. How is that possible ?” “ Easy enough. I came by boat, but more than half the time I was on the rail.” “ Mr, SYKES WALKED AWAY. UNNECESSARY. ‘ popping the question, he did prefer To do it in manner firm and steady ; He did not go on his knees to her— For she was on his knees already. HER SMILE. ASTUS (¢0 Liza, who has pretended to be “ miffed"): Dey ain't no use you turnin’ yo’ back honey, kase I sees you smilin’ des de same! comicbooks.com