Life, 1911-09-07 · page 10 of 44
Life — September 7, 1911 — page 10: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains two distinct pieces: **"Humbugs" poem** (left): A humorous verse celebrating mosquitoes' mild nature compared to other insects—they merely tickle rather than cause serious harm. The satire gently mocks people's overwrought fear of minor annoyances. **"Jim Riley's Fine Example" (right)**: A literary commentary praising poet Jim Riley for his Indianapolis-focused work, arguing that American cities need local poets to celebrate their character. The author advocates for geographic cultural pride. **Photograph**: "At Life's Fresh Air Farm—A Friendly Rout" shows a candid group scene, likely documenting Life magazine's charitable fresh-air initiative for urban children—a common Progressive-era welfare program providing outdoor recreation to poor city dwellers. The page reflects early 20th-century American literary culture and social reform interests.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
376 Life’s Fresh Air Fund Inclusive of 1910, Lire’s Fees Ate Foxo kas been in operation twenty-four years, 1 that time it has expended $ 447-44 ond has given a fortnight in the country t0 32,730 poor city children, The Fund is supported entirely by bequests and voluntary contributions, which are ac knowledged in this colw Previously acknowledged... A Friend. “Louisa and Stephen". t S00 PLB, V,. 2 S30 1. W. Taylor. 10.00 N. E. Graha 5.00 Marie Lewis Cope 5.00 Proceeds of a at ile Lake, N. Y., by: Jane, Marian_ar Kate’ White, Cornelia and_ Sally Sage, and Walter Goodwin, Jr Felicia'L. Metcalfe. John B, Phillips. + $7,580.75 Pe" 5.00 q 6.35 3.00 10.00 $7,695.60 ACKNOWLEDGES WITIE THANKS Two boxes of oranges, from the National Orange Company of California. Package of clothing, from Mrs. Charles Sherill Webb of Greenport, 1. POSTALS PROM LIFE’S FARM Dear Mornen. | I arrived safly and wish you were here It is a rice place The name ix Life fa Tiranchville connec. I was in bathing 6 times today. good bye Drax Mama, We arrived here safe and are having a good time. Please send me some more money for candy as 1 had to pay twenty cents carfare, 10 cents for Katie and ten for i'you gave me thirty cents. Katie is and There a big hill and we roll fown it. Every day Mr. Moore rolls a bar- rel of apples down the hill for us to catch, From Mitue. kiss for all * * * ¢ «LJ FE- Humbugs OME bugs will sting and bite, and some Fretend to bite, but only hum. ‘The first we fear, if we are wise; The second, fear, and then despise. But, after all, why rage and stew When humbugs merely tickle you? Why is it not a glorious thing That humbugs hum and do not sting? Why should we not rejoice, and praise The humbug’s mild, alarming ways? He gives us all the glow and thrill Of fierce attack, without the ill. He brings the drum, the flag, the yell, And leaves at home the shot and shell. Where biting bugs in silence come, He warns us with a kindly hum. Where other bugs take all they find, He only leaves a laugh behind. So let us praise, by day and night, The bug that hums and does not bite. Amos R. Wells. AT LIFE'S FRESH AIR FARM A FRIENDLY BOUT Jim Riley's Fine Example T is recorded in the public prints that Jim Riley, the good Hoosier Poet, out of the bigness of his heart and the immense profits of his verse factory, has given to Indianapolis a public library site worth $75,000. Good for Jim; good for Indianapolis. What pleasure such an action must have given to both! And how glorious an example of civic affection and how very suitable to imitation! Is there no poct in New York who feels for Manhattan as Riley does for Indianapolis? Manhattan also is a lit- erary center, with poets of immense means, We have, it is true, a new public library on a satisfactory site, but we need other things. Have we no local poet who would like to di- vert part of his gains to benefit our city in one of these directions? Mr. Bangs is a native and habitual New Yorker. This’ thought may appeal to him. Or to the Messrs. Irwin, whose wealth must bave been acquired chiefly in this mari, though we believe we owe them te Francisco. We would like to sce these sites given by poets, and given rather promptly, if possible, so that folks may stop plotting to plump these necded buildings down in this or that of the city’s parks. Arrangements “MERE!” Mrs. J. Pounder Van Doper, the young and dashing widow, having gone over her mail, summoned her maid, who immediately responded with her discreet presence. “Yes, madam.” “T have here an invitation from Mrs. Spadington. Do you know whether she still retains her admirable seamstress?" Yes, madam. I am quite sure that she does. “And we have considerable mend- ing? Quite some.” “And I have here an invitation from Mrs. Powers-Jones. She has a wonder- ful laundress, has she not?” “She still has her, madam.” “Then keep everything from the wash until we go there. And tell me about Mrs. Rubicund Robbins, She has not yet divorced her husband?” “No, indeed, madam. He is visiting her now.” “Such an adorable flirt. Very well, Marie. Our week ends are now settled for nearly a month. But remember, we will go to Mrs. Powers-Jones first, as we need the clothes.” Comicbooks.com