Life — June 28, 1917 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This is a "Personal" advertisement section from Life magazine. The illustration depicts a fashionable group of people in 1920s attire gathered in what appears to be a park setting. The text reads: "WILL YOUNG LADY WHO SMILED AT YOUNG MAN WITH BLACK DERBY ON SUBWAY WEDNESDAY, MEET HIM AT SOUTH GATE OF PARK FRIDAY, 2 P.M.?" This is a "missed connection" advertisement—a common feature in magazines and newspapers where someone seeks to reconnect with a stranger they encountered briefly. The romantic scenario reflects 1920s courtship customs, where a chance smile on public transit could spark interest. The specific details (black derby hat, subway, park location, time) are meant to help the woman identify the sender. This section satirizes the earnestness of such hopeful personal ads.