Life, 1912-05-09 · page 17 of 48
Life — May 9, 1912 — page 17: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
**Top cartoon ("Aviation Day on Olympus"):** Depicts wealthy figures on a beach watching early aircraft. The satire mocks the commercialization of religion through the accompanying text advertising the "New England Amalgated Religion Generator Company"—a fake firm "selling" religion like a product. It specifically targets Rockefeller-style "philanthropic religion" and exposes how churches deliberately target poor workers in mining and factory towns, noting these communities are "particularly lucrative" because desperate poor people give more generously. The satire attacks both corporate hypocrisy and religious manipulation of the working class. **Bottom ("Historic Episode"):** References Gutenberg (printing press inventor) meeting newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst and his associate Brisbane, plus reformer Parkhurst—suggesting these media figures will "help" Gutenberg's invention succeed. The joke implies Hearst's sensationalist journalism represents the dubious legacy of the printing press. **Pouter pigeon joke:** Visual pun—the bird's inflated appearance resembles a wealthy, self-important millionaire.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
AVIATION DAY ON OLYMPUS have their spiritual and emotional needs satisfied, we can offer at least ten different forms of new religions, all of them under the charge of a retired Episcopal bishop, who, it is almost unnecessary to state, has had a vast experience i ling with the human heart. We have recently introduced a specimen brand of the Rockefeller type of religion, and it has met with great success in certain places; especially among well-to-do peo- ple in mining districts and factory towns. More humble forms, suitable for people in reduced cumstances, were first tried out in Fall River, Law- ce, Scranton, Pa., and other places where there are num- s of poor people who are working under stress. These particularly lucrative, as it has been our experience it the poorer the people, the more money they are willing give in proportion. We send a full prospectus on application, giving terms id detailed methods of procedure. If necessary, our rep- entative will call upon you at any time and go over the hole matter. This involves no obligation on your part. When up our way drop in and look over our latest line ‘ religions. They will surprise and interest you. The New England Amalgamated Religion Generator Company. Historic Episode UTENBERG was working over his printing press. “The Lord knows what will come of this thing,” he exclaimed, despairingly. Thereupon William R. Hearst observed, kindly: “Don't be downhearted, old chap; me and Brisbane and Parkhurst will see you through.” On seeing a pouter pigeon for the first time: oH LOOK, MAMA! THAT MUST BE A MILLIONAIRG. comicbooks.com