Life, 1917-05-10 · page 40 of 46
Life — May 10, 1917 — page 40: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
**The Poetry ("Soldiers"):** Two contrasting verses by McLandburgh Wilson celebrate different forms of wartime service. The first honors the overlooked civilian worker performing unglamorous duty "with heart on the firing line" despite no recognition. The second praises the soldier in active combat who endlessly pursues victory. Both emphasize hidden courage and duty—reflecting WWI-era messaging about civilian sacrifice being as noble as military service. **Advertisements:** The page is primarily commercial, featuring Hotakold vacuum vessels (keeping summer drinks cold) and Hudson River Day Line steamship excursions between New York and Albany. These appeal to peacetime leisure—a notable juxtaposition against the patriotic war poetry above, suggesting American life balancing military concerns with consumer normalcy. **The Cartoon:** A small illustration at bottom shows roosters with the caption "What's the matter, old chap? Spring fever?"—a lighthearted domestic joke unrelated to the war content, typical of Life's mixed editorial approach.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
CRRES OE plies his dull civilian task, The duty of the commonplace; Not his in glory’s ray to bask, Not his a hero death to face. And though he goes his daily way And to his fellows gives no sign, Awake, asleep, by night and day His heart is on the firing line. One does his bit in trench or charge For conquest of the enemy, And every passing hour is large With mighty opportunity. He sounds his guns to heaven's dome, Yet to his mates he gives no sign, His heart is in che hills of home, Far distant from the firing line. McLandburgh Wilson. Cool Drinks from Hotakold Vacuum Vessels make summer days more pleasant The HOTAKOLD trade-mark identifies a complete line of vacuum vessels which keep cold drinks cold for 24 to 36 hours. They are all useful, sturdy and very attractive in enamels, nickel, silver or aluminum finish. The carafes can now be obtained with bodies finished in enamel of various colors to match room furnishings. The Food Jar and Lunch Set appeal to those who eat lunch away from home. Hotahold vessels arg sold by hardware, houser Bh Eee | oR MANNING, BOWMAN & CO., Meriden, Conn. Sole Distributors for the Makers, VACUUM SPECIALTY CO. ic Te jate, Tilting Carafes 1 Quart, $9 te $13 ‘WU Quart, $14end $15 Lunch Seto, $2 to $3 “the Db ‘aru egist ff for ows: ellow bO%” Se sk oy Hudson River By. Daylight One Hundred and Fifty Memorable Miles on America’s most beautiful stream between New York and Albany. Each mile replete in historic tradition and imposing scenery, seen to best advantage from the swift Day ine Steamers: “Washington Irving” “Albany” “Hendrick Hudson” “Robert Fulton” One Day Outings to Poughkee; Newbarehy Bear Mountain aay se of interest be- tween New York a ond Albany. Direct rail connections to all points in the Catskills, Saratoga, the Adiron- dacks, the West and North. Superior Orchestra Excellent Restaurant Moderate Prices Daily (except Sunday) between Albany and New York from May 19 to November 6. All through rail tickets between Albany and New York accepted. HUDSON RIVER DAY LINE: Desbrosses St. Pier New York [) “WHAT'S THE MATTER, OLD CHAP? SPRING FEVER?” 11) J mo abe hee BO | comicbooks.com