Life, 1912-11-14 · page 10 of 44
Life — November 14, 1912 — page 10: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This satirical article argues that large men make better husbands than small men, citing a Chicago police matron and court clerk as sources. The piece humorously advises women to select husbands by bulk—ensuring they're at least six feet tall with large noses—claiming bigger men are more generous and good-natured. The accompanying cartoon shows a man in formal dress floating away from a "Grand Ascension" event (likely a balloon ascension spectacle), dropping his hat in embarrassment. The caption suggests he's being mocked for attending such an event as a guest, worried about social judgment. The satire mocks both prescriptive dating advice for women and social anxiety about public appearance and respectability—typical early 20th-century Life magazine humor.
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2190 Husbands By the Yard AN it be possible that big men make the best husbands? Mrs. Anna Murphy, chief police matron at Chicago, says they do, and her opinion is confirmed by Mrs. Marie Leavitt, clerk of the Court of Domestic Re- lations. Mrs. Murphy says the little man with a sharp, thin nose is more likely to be nervous and fidgety and a scold; big men can make a living more easily than little men, and are more generous. According to these ladies, husbands should therefore be selected by bulk. When you are getting a husband, order him at least six feet in length: be sure that his nose is large and substantial. We must not, however, dist affair upon the testimony of th amiable ladies, experts as they may be: There is something, undoubtedly, to be said on the other side. The large husband may be good-natured and generous, but are these not the in- variable signs of that dangerous one, a “good fellow”? Things glide off the large husband easily. But is he not likely to consort with other con- genial spirits to the detriment of his own home? And is he capable cf that intensity of affection, and of Sat ex- alted ¢ of duty which are so often enshrined in the heart and soul of the “nervous and fidgety” little husband? General experience with humanity leads us to the firm conviction that oftentimes a large and lofty soul is contained in a diminutive bod: ture’s guarantee is not necessarily ¢: clusively confined to the large hus- band. He may be easier to get along with, but is this the final test? True love is the fruit of conflict. Possibly those sublime heights of love which some few attain, may be only attained by the friction of years with a small, nervous, fidgety companion. Heaven. for ought we know, may be crowded to the golden gates with sharp-nosed little chaps who have fought the good fight for principle. While outside the golden gates, cool- ing their heels and their heavy noses, may be vainly waiting a crowd of large, friendly, good-natured souls who have, during their lives, gone along the easiest way. Punctilious Perkins: GoouNess Me! WHAT WILL THE ROCKMORES THINK OF AG TAKING HIMSELF OFF IN THIS UNCEREMONIOUS FASHION! 1 MUST DROP THEM A P,P. C. CARD : comicboohee