Life, 1897-08-12 · page 15 of 20
Life — August 12, 1897 — page 15: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains three satirical pieces typical of late-19th-century American humor: **"A Saratoga Sketch"** mocks wealthy English tourists visiting Saratoga Springs, a fashionable resort town. The joke hinges on the Englishman's surprise that the crowded hotels are empty on Saturday morning—his courier's response that people are "at church" sarcastically suggests Americans are hypocritically pious while simultaneously engaging in gambling and financial excess (the Englishman lost money at "the Swelldorf," implying gambling losses). **"The Golf Girl"** (by Harry B. Smith) is a romantic poem about a woman golfer who dominates her suitor—literally and figuratively. The repeated refrain "She drove; he watched" plays on double meaning: she drives the golf ball *and* drives the carriage, while he remains passive. The satire gently mocks both the "New Woman" of the era and submissive masculinity. **The lower cartoon** advertises a "Nice Cool Corner" shop offering relief during hot weather, with a humorous notice that "politicians need not apply." The page reflects turn-of-century anxieties about social change, wealth, leisure, and shifting gender roles.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
135 A Saratoga Sketch, E was an Englishman doing the States. Incidentally, the landlords of the States were doing him. Hearing that there were mineral springs at Saratoga, he went there for the benefit of his pocketbook, which had lost several pounds at the Swelldorf. He arrived late at night. ‘The next day was Saturday. Rising about 10.30 A. M , he went out upon the street. There were few people in sight. “T thought this place was crowded?” he said to his courier. “Soi said the courier. ‘* The hotels are all filled to overflowing.” “ But," he cried, ‘where are all the people?” “Where?” replied the courier. ‘Why, where a God-fearing people ought to be, of course. Zver're at church.” GREAT many newspaper readers have read with concern of the indisposition of the editor of the Sun, who is reported to have been ill enough to lay aside his work and stay at home. Here's hoping for Mr. Dana's prompt recovery. He is an institution that we are loath to spare, except for such a length of time as is necessary to give him a chance to have some fun some- where and renew his youth. EBTS of honor are generally debts that have to be paid to keep your dishonor from com- ing out. “'h SCORCHER.”” ee . ~ Womce The Golf Girl. — | WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE iy * ' 7 i me] PARCELS REMAINING HERE HE drove! He watched her charming pose crane The while her “driver” poised, then rose; ~ 0 : = No plowing of the ground was there, =< : aunt | No aimless fanning of the air; - Nth TSE. Straight, high and far the white ball goes. A 4 ly Piet " "| KUL THe : 7 ql RELATIVES! Then on his drag, with belles and beaux, FASHIONABLE SHADES She always sat beside him, where She took the lines with skill and care; She drove; he watched. Atev'ry game that he'd propose, To lead the way she ever chose. At last he begged that she would share The fortune to which he was heir. She married him; and, goodness knows! She drove; he watched. Harry B. Smith, “wr do you think of the proposition to begin the new century with years of thirteen months instead of twelve?” ‘I strongly disapprove. Just think of thirteen i days in each year for bills to come in!” A GRAIN OF COMFORT DURING A PROLONGED HOT SPELL.