Life, 1913-08-07 · page 31 of 40
Life — August 7, 1913 — page 31: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page is primarily **advertising with a poem**, not political satire. The poem "Dances" by Madeline Bridges defends modern dance crazes—the **bunny-hug and turkey-trot**—against moral criticism. These were controversial early 1900s dances considered scandalous by older generations. The poet argues that society's attitudes shift over time: dances once condemned (like the can-can and coochie-coochie) are now accepted. She reasons youth shouldn't be denied the joy of dancing, ultimately accepting these "modern" dances for young people. The page contains **three advertisements**: Nabisco Sugar Wafers (with product varieties like "Adora" and "Festino"), Strong's Arnica Tooth Soap, and a sketch labeled "Seeing the Sights" (appears to show people at leisure activities). The satirical *intent* is gentle—mocking generational anxiety about changing social norms rather than making sharp political points. It reflects early 20th-century debates about propriety and youth culture.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Dances HE bunny-hug and turkey-trot Are branding names, indeed! What’s in a name? ¢ « ¢ The rose were not Less fair, if called a weed? Turkey's a bird we glory in, The bunny hath good fame— Why should the trot of one be sin? The other's hug be shame? The can-cam was a fearsome word, The coochie-coochie vile; To-day with calmness they are heard, And even with a smile. Time hath their badness paled, me- thinks, Or else we can’t recall How wicked were their crinks and jinks— Now we don't care at all! Then let them dance who can or will! We envy them the fleet ,Glad strength that meets the music’s thrill— We envy them the feet That sway and glide, and stamp and slide, And curve and swerve, and sail— But most, and more than all beside, The breath that does not fail! He's but a boy who can delight To seek the giddy whirl; And she who loves to dance all night, Well—she is just—a girl! Were youth's bright joyance still our lot T can but reason thus— The bunny-hug, the turkey-trot, Would be all right—for us! Madeline Bridges. “Once a friend of mine and I agreed that it would be helpful for each of us to tell the other his faults.” “How did it work?” “We haven't spoken for nine years.” —Chicago Record. Sugar Wafers Nabisco Sugar Wafers meet every demand for a dainty dessert confection. Whether served with ices, custards, fruits or beverages, they are equally delightful. The sweet, creamy filling of Nabisco—the delicate wafer shells—leave nothing to be desired. Truly are they fairy sandwiches. In ten-cent tins; also in twenty-five-cent tins. ADORA:—Another dessert FESTINO:—A dessert sweet, shaped like confection of enchanting good- an almond. A shell so fragile and tooth- ness. Alluring squares in filled some that it melts on the tongue disclosing sugar-wafer form. a kernel of almond-flavored cream, ADORA 4 Frauto Svsas Marte Beautifully WhiteTeeth and Clean, Healthy Gums and Mouth indy metal bor—a convenient cake that 25 cents at all druggiste—or sent direct. CH. STRONG & CO. SEEING THE SIGHTS comicbooks.com