Life, 1917-12-20 · page 8 of 40
Life — December 20, 1917 — page 8: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains two separate items: **Top illustration:** A humorous sketch titled "A Toy Terrier" showing a small dog chasing a large figure—likely a visual pun about toy terriers being disproportionately aggressive despite their size. **Main cartoon and article:** "The Willowbys' Ward" depicts a formal gathering where a military or government official appears to be presenting or discussing something with civilians. Below it, the "Notice to All Killjoys" is a satirical piece by the Society for the Prevention of Christmas Cheer, ironically complaining about wartime hardships (rationing, taxation, young men being killed) and sarcastically calling for a "spirit of Christmas" and national unity. The tone mocks those who might complain about sacrifices during wartime—likely WWI era based on the military uniforms and economic references.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
THE WILLOWBYS' WARD. 30 SOME OF MOLLY'S MOVING-PICTURE FRIENDS, REHEARSING IN THE NEIGHBORIIOOD, DROP IN 10 LUNCHEON Notice to All Killjoys TH Society for the Prevention of Christmas Cheer ex- pects every old killjoy to do his duty this Yule-tide. We are in the midst of a horrible war, our young men are being maimed and killed, living and taxes are beyond the reach of all but the munition magnates, conservation and food economy is being dinned in our cars until we are sick, and mental anguish is rampant in the land. There will never again be such a splendid opportunity to crush the spirit of Christmas. National headquarters for the S. P. C. C. will gladly furnish a full assortment of depressing views to all who write. Our slogan is Swat Santa. Join us to-day.