Life, 1904-07-07 · page 12 of 40
Life — July 7, 1904 — page 12: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains satirical humor and social commentary typical of early Life magazine. The top illustration depicts a "Fresh-Air Farm" scene—an urban charity program that brought city children to the countryside. The caption notes "Life welcomes the coming and speeds the parting guests," suggesting satire about these charitable endeavors. Below are two brief comedic dialogues mocking marital discord and domestic expectations, followed by a winged devil/imp illustration. The right side lists donors to the "Fresh-Air Fund" and includes "To Be Recited Daily in New York," a prayer-parody by Norman Harris listing urban hazards (fires, corrupt officials, dangerous transit) residents should fear—satirizing contemporary New York City's chaotic conditions and dangers. This mock-prayer format was common satirical commentary on industrial-era American urban life.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
AT OUR FRESH-AIR FARM. LIVE WELCOMES THE COMING AND SPREDS THE PARTING GUESTS. Complete. Our Fresh-Air Fund. “ DETWEEN us," said the bathing dress to the ball Previously acknow! ” Mrs. Guy Howard. gown, ‘we complete the work of the world. East Orange, N. J “How's that?" said the ball gown. . S Samus, Je, “Well, you begin where I leave off.” HEN is your wife coming back?" “Oh, during the latter part of a thousand dollars."* A. Pratt To Be Recited Daily in New York. FRM fire, murder and sudden death, Good Lord, deliver us. From color-blind engineers, money-blind operators, cork-dust life-preservers and cigarette-fiend lawmakers, Good Lord, deliver us. From criminal bankers, topsy-turvy apartment-houses, get- quick indictments and inspectors of public utilities in New York City, Good Lord, deliver us ! From ptomaines, ambulance surgeons, public places of relief; from the Bridge crush, the ‘‘ L'' trample and automobiles, Good Lord, deliver us; From Aldermanic legislation, Good Lord, deliver us. Norman Harris.