Life, 1917-12-20 · page 25 of 40
Life — December 20, 1917 — page 25: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains three separate satirical pieces from WWI-era America (likely 1917-1918, based on wartime references): **"Saving Fats"**: A woman refuses to feed a man claiming he "serves soap." The joke satirizes wartime rationing and conservation efforts—she demands he do his patriotic duty, while he tries to argue his soap work is essential. The humor lies in the absurd claim that making soap counts as war service. **"A Surprise"**: A man appears shrunken; his friend attributes this to the man "taking up room" (likely a fat joke). The satire mocks either weight-loss or suggests someone became less substantial/important. **"A Bazaar Ballad"** (by Arthur Guiterman): A soldier courts a maiden at a charity bazaar, but she redirects all his romantic declarations toward merchandise locations—the candy booth, flower stand, and engagement rings counter. The satire mocks both commercialism and women's indifference to romance, suggesting fundraising events reduced sentiment to sales. **"Identified"**: A deadpan joke about a "New Yorker" who actually lives in New Jersey, Long Island, and Florida—satirizing wealthy commuters' rootlessness. The mouse cartoon's caption "Well, I'm still holding him!" likely refers to a cat-and-mouse chase.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
REJECTED Saving Fats RS. NITTUMSOX: Indeed I won't give you a bite to eat. You ought to be doing your bit for your country. Watxer R. Ryper: Me, lady? Why, I am. servin’ soap for years! A Surprise ILLIE SLIMSON: My, but I thought you were a great deal bigger than you are. FEATHERSTONE: What gave you such an idea, Willie? “Why, sister said that all you did was to take up room.” Mouse: 1053 A Bazaar Ballad A SOLDIER young and brave was he That sought the big Bazaar; A Maiden sweet and fair was she, As Maidens often are. He spoke, in Whispers passion-fraught, Of Love that could not fail; She spoke (no Matter what she thought) Of Things that were for Sale. “T want,” declared the ardent Youth, “The sweetest Sweet of All!” “Oh, yes!” she said; “the Candy Booth Is just across the Hall.” “A Rose,” he breathed, “of Eden- glade I seck, my Life to crown!” “The Flower Stand,” observed the Maid, “Is four Aisles farther down.” “Then be my Bride!” that Soldier cried, “My Own, my Heart's Delight!” ae gement Rings?” she softly sighed ; “Three Counters toward the Right!” Arthur Guiterman, Identified “YOU say he’s a New Yorker?” Yes; he lives in New Jersey, has a country home on Long Island, spends his winters in Florida and comes to New York occasionally to business.” SSK SSSs SS @| SSS WELL, I'M STILL HOLDING HIM! comicbooks.com