Life — March 16, 1922 — page 12: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Keep the Railroads Crooked" This article by Don Herold explains railroad accordion pleats—the canvas joints between train cars that allow expansion and contraction on curves. The top diagram illustrates how these pleats work: the inner side of a curved track compresses while the outer side extends, causing the pleats to "spread." The bottom cartoon, captioned "Galosh!" shows bewilderment among older party-goers at young women's new fashionable footwear—apparently galoshes or similar rubber overshoes were a surprising fashion development that contrasted with previous styles. The page combines technical railroad explanation with social satire about changing fashion trends, juxtaposing industrial innovation with contemporary cultural shifts.