Life — April 14, 1921 — page 12: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This is a satirical article by Montague Glass titled "Keep This Space Clear," critiquing reckless motor vehicle driving in Southern California. The illustration, captioned "BROUGHT DOWN THE HOUSE," depicts an exaggerated, wild-eyed driver causing chaos—furniture and objects flying, suggesting the destructive impact of dangerous driving. The article mocks speeding motorists who violate traffic laws, referencing specific California ordinances and citing Police Justice Watson's enforcement efforts in Santa Monica and Los Angeles. Glass highlights the absurdity of drivers endangering lives by speeding through residential areas and along scenic coastal drives like Turncull Canyon Road. The accompanying verse about "Jane" in Jersey humorously illustrates consequences—her reckless driving literally "brought down the house," destroying furniture. This reflects early 1900s concerns about automobile safety and the need for traffic regulation in growing cities.