Life, 1918-02-21 · page 31 of 40
Life — February 21, 1918 — page 31: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page presents satirical "Society Notes" written as if dogs were the subject, with pun-laden dog breed names standing in for human socialites. The top cartoon illustrates the caption "FOR THE LONG (MEATLESS) WINTER EVENINGS"—referencing WWI food rationing that affected American civilians. The humor operates on multiple levels: dog-themed puns (a "Scotch Terrier" holding a "bone-finding party," a "Setter" giving a "moon-baying recital"), mock-serious society page parody, and timely wartime references. One entry mentions a daughter leaving "to engage in Red Cross work at the Western front," invoking actual WWI service. The "meatless" subtitle and the society page format together satirize how Americans—particularly the privileged classes—dealt with wartime privations. By anthropomorphizing dogs discussing their social activities during rationing, *Life* magazine gently mocks both the pretension of society reporting and civilian wartime adjustments.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
OR THE LONG (MEATLESS) WINTER EVENINGS Society Notes (From The Dog News and Daily Barker) RS. J. SCOTCH TERRIER held a bone-finding party yes- terday afternoon in front of her kennel. Bones were buried for six. Miss Ima Setter, who has just graduated from. the Canine Conserv- atory, has invited a few intimate friends to a private moon-baying recital to-morrow evening. Mr. Vernon MePupp announces a personally conducted pail picnic next Monday morning, to celebrate the escape of his brother, Hairy, from the local pound. Mr. Hector Mastiff will spend the week-end with his Miss Bullic Toughmugge, at her home in Judze Nlden’s garage. The Fraternal Order of Fidos will hold its annual dinner dance to-morrow at midnight in Miller's butcher- shop. The proceeds will go to the Home for Friendless Mongrels. Mr. Augustus Howler left yesterday afternoon in a freight car to spend the winter in Florida. Mr. and Mrs. Airedale Odde are off on their honcymoon home after November to Central Park. They will be twenty-first in the rear of Gordon's livery stable. Miss Phooie Dackel will entertain to-day with a dog- biscuit lunch in honor of her sister-in-law, Mrs. Dachs- hund Browne, who has just become the mother of ten children. Mr. and Mrs. Hunter Greyhound will’ give a farewell dinner next Thursday for their daughter, Sniffic, who leaves for Europe to engage in Red Cross work at the Western front. nd J. Kiefer. THE OLD FLIRT comicbooks.com