Life — August 10, 1922 — page 12: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Old Bill Nickel" - Life Magazine Satire The central cartoon depicts "Old Bill Nickel," a raggedy, wizened character carrying a suitcase. The caption credits "Elmer Hopkins put up a crowbar for a hen roost an' the rooster liked it fine"—a rural American tall tale suggesting deception or fraud. The surrounding text contains typical Life magazine satirical commentary on contemporary issues: Russian politics (Lenin and Trotsky), Prohibition enforcement, Senate politics, and American business practices. The cartoon likely satirizes either a specific political figure or represents the archetypal "con man" or charlatan—someone selling false promises to the gullible. Without additional context identifying "Old Bill Nickel" specifically, the precise target remains unclear, though the shabby appearance and deceptive framing suggest mockery of fraudulent schemes common in 1920s America.