Life — June 17, 1920 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Life Magazine Cartoon, June 17, 1920 This cartoon satirizes a soda fountain or ice cream parlor scene. An elderly male pharmacist or vendor stands behind the counter offering refreshments to three young children and a dog. The caption reads "What'll ye have, gents?"—a humorous formality addressing the children as "gents." The visible signage references "WCTU Sundae" (Women's Christian Temperance Union), "Cranch Ice," and "Hic Beverage," suggesting this depicts Prohibition-era refreshment options replacing alcoholic drinks. The satire likely mocks the WCTU's advocacy for temperance by showing wholesome ice cream and soft drinks now marketed with mock-serious adult terminology. The artist signature appears to be "Victor C. Anderson."