Life — March 25, 1899 — page 17: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This illustration depicts Puritans at Cape Cod during "the Great Washing Day," referencing an early colonial historical account. The image shows period-dressed figures engaged in laundry work near the shore, with ships visible in the background. The caption quotes a historical relation describing how a ship was "driven far north out of her course" and cast anchor to allow crew to "mend and repaire her," while "our people women to Wald"—likely referring to women going ashore for washing. The satire appears to celebrate or humorously depict the resourcefulness and domestic labor of Puritan settlers, possibly contrasting their practical concerns (ship repair, laundry) with their religious reputation. The artist's signature appears lower right.