Life, 1919-05-22 · page 12 of 42
Life — May 22, 1919 — page 12: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
**Top Cartoon ("Home, Sweet Home"):** A family dinner scene where the father has been away (likely on military service, given the reference to a "cuff"). Tommy asks if they'll get a second piece of pie, humorously suggesting the family's modest circumstances and possibly food rationing—likely referencing WWI or post-war austerity. **"Your Little Wife" Poem:** A sentimental piece by Olen L. Boucher celebrating wives' domestic contributions—cooking, emotional support, smoothing "thin hair," and working on payday. Reflects early 20th-century gender roles where women's value centered on homemaking and supporting husbands. **Bottom Cartoon:** A surreal scene of caterpillars approaching a shop, with a barber bug discussing needing shampoo for his "entire family." The humor appears to be absurdist wordplay rather than clear political satire.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
HOME, SWEET HOME Father (who has been away on a visit): YES, TOMMY, THEY TREATED ME JUST LIKE ONE OF THE FAMILY. Tommy: Get! WOULDN'T THEY GIVE YOU A SECOND PIECE OF PIE? Your Little Wife wre plans to make your future bright? Your little wife. Who cooks to tempt your appetite? Your little wife. Who tells her women friends that you Are the one grand husband through and through? Who's the best girl you ever knew? Your little wife. Who pats your cheek when you get home? Your little wife. Who smoothes the thin hair on your dome? Your little wife. Who looks at you, her brown eyes clear, And, snuggling to you extra- Says, “This is pay-day—ain’t it, dear?” Irate A vt ‘i sCI . Your Witte wits. rate Mr. Bug (the barber): wow! THIS 1S TOUGH LUCK. HERE 1 AM READY TO CLOSE UP SHOP FOR THE DAY, AND NOW MR. CATERPILLAR COMES Olen L. Boucher. ALONG AND WANTS SHAMPOOS FOR HIS ENTIRE FAMILY,