Life, 1918-12-05 · page 24 of 76
Life — December 5, 1918 — page 24: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
**"The New West" poem** satirizes the modernization of the American frontier. A rancher has abandoned traditional Western life—selling his horse for a tin automobile, trading boots and spurs for modern clothes—as his village gains movies and Broadway culture. The bar now serves cigars instead of cheap tobacco ("Duke's"). The poem laments this loss of frontier romance, suggesting "old-timers" would mourn seeing their rugged West "fall into decay." This reflects early 20th-century anxieties about industrialization erasing authentic American identity. **"How to Make the Most of It"** appears to offer Christmas advice during wartime (likely WWI, given "war sufferers" and soldiers references). The cartoon "On the Mend" shows someone attempting self-improvement. **"C'est la Guerre"** depicts a man who once enjoyed daily swimming but now has his mind on "other things"—wartime concerns. **"Three Dollars"** shows someone's shock at discovering financial poverty, likely a commentary on economic hardship during the war period.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
826 Christmas Life The New West 'VE sold the little broncho and I've bought a steed of tin, A rattling good machinery or so J hear. The boots and spurs and woolly chaps are put away for keeps— Afraid I'll cateh ‘em in some greasy gear. Our little desert village has its movies, if you please, Where we can sce the Broadway shows de Inve. The bar-keep at the “ Miners’ Rest” now wears a suit of whites. His patrons smoke cigars instead of “ Duke's.” The romance has departed with the scenes of other ye: We're getting tamer every passing day, It surely is a blessing the old-timers € not here To see their Old West fall into decay. Elmer Franklin Powell, How to Make the Most of It “CEST LA GUERRE!* Carry on! HF USED TO TAKE KEEN DELIGHT IN TS NUT NOW IIS MIND IS TAKEN UP WITT Hope for speedy reconstruction! DAILY PLUNGE “OTHER THINGS” Remember the war sufferers! Mnvoke Heaven for a lasting peace! Send greeting cards to the soldiers! Think of future Christmases! Alake the best of everything! Assist local charities! Smile! THE WAY IT SEEMED TO JONES WHEN HE DISCOVERED THAT HE HAD ONLY ON THE MEND THREE. DOLLARS. comicbooks.com