Life, 1907-10-17 · page 13 of 44
Life — October 17, 1907 — page 13: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page satirizes suburban life and the emerging automobile culture. The main illustration depicts a chaotic suburban scene with early automobiles, bicycles, and pedestrians sharing space near a "Private Property/No Trespassing" sign and a brick wall—suggesting tension between public access and private ownership in developing suburbs. "The Village Blacksmith" poem (left) ironically contrasts the traditional craftsman with modern auto repair work, mocking how the blacksmith's trade has transformed into servicing automobiles and their components. The cartoon ridicules suburban infrastructure unprepared for mixed traffic, property disputes, and the displacement of traditional skills by mechanization. The small illustration labeled "Simon Pure" (bottom right) appears unrelated or provides additional satirical commentary.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
UFE’S The Village Blacksmith NDER a spreading chestnut tree The village smithy stands, The smith, a mighty man is he —Now prepared to meet demands For prompt repairs to auto cranks, ‘Magnetos, sparkers, chains, hoods, tanks; New jarts for every known machine; Full stock ail, graphite, carbide, gasoline—— . And the muscles of his brawny arms Are strong as iron bands. His hair is crisp, and black, and long, His face is like the tan; His brow is wet with honest sweat, He earns whate’er he can —Vulcanizing, riveting, brazing, repairing Of radiator, clutch, cylinder, bearing; Inner tubes for sale, cement, patches, t.res, Battery cells, spark-plugs, coils, wires— GUIDE TO THE SUBURBS “WHERE TO WALK” Each morning sees some task begin, Each evening sees it close j —Tires recovered, relined, retreaded; sectional and tube patching; aluminum brazing; repairs to radiators, mud-guards, sprocket cones; overhauling and adjustment of every descripti day, night and Sundays (residence, third house to school-house); prices reasonable; all work guaranteed; patronage of automobilists resp. invited — . Something attempted, something done, Has carned a night's repose. Henry W. Honkfellow. . And looks the whole world in the face, For he owes not any man. Toiling—rejoicing—sorrowing, Onward through life he goes; “SIMON PURE” comicbooks.com