Life — March 14, 1907 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "The House of Stocks and Bonds" This story satirizes wealthy widows managing inherited fortunes. The narrative follows a young multimillionaire's widow navigating financial advice from her son David, who urges caution about charitable giving and institutional support (libraries, colleges, flying machines). The accompanying illustration shows a "sprightly looking young lady" in a department store, with the caption asking "HAVE YOU PAID?" and "SCHOOL OR HIP?" This appears to mock the tension between conspicuous consumption and social responsibility among the wealthy—suggesting privileged women shop freely while questions linger about their actual charitable contributions versus their spending habits. The satire critiques how the rich rationalize financial conservatism while maintaining lavish lifestyles.