Life, 1922-08-24 · page 13 of 36
Life — August 24, 1922 — page 13: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page satirizes wealthy Americans' summer vacation habits during Prohibition era (reference to "Prohibition Enforcement"). **"Postponements"** mocks a woman (Tess) who repeatedly delayed her country escape while shopping for fashionable clothes, only to leave after her aunt's death provided inheritance funds. **"Primary Causes"** jokes that Mr. Templeton, a Prohibition enforcement official, stays at the shore—likely implying he's avoiding work or has ulterior motives (his "bootlegger" is mentioned, suggesting corruption). **"Pursuit of Happiness"** satirizes Mrs. Van Hampt Jones's lavish mountain vacation plans—she'll spend her time in leisurely activities (rocking chairs, golf) while contemplating expensive purchases, embodying wealthy excess during economically restrictive times. The cartoons criticize class privilege and hypocrisy among the wealthy during Prohibition.
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Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
LIFE GOINGS AWAY Postponements LL her life Tess Raymer had wanted yi Slathers of sport clothes; W® Bright, dazzling, fluffy things ) With which to startle the natives ¥| And the summer residents alike GA She knew she would have them some day. Just as soon as Tommy's Aunt Patience died ‘And left him her half-million. When she had grown almost hopeless through waiting, Tommy made a killing in the stock market, week before they were to leave for the country, 's aunt died. 2 And Tommy, inconsiderate beast, Made Tess wear mourning all summer. They're going South next winter, however. . Tess says there is a limit to her endurance. Primary Causes 'HE Templetons always went to the mountains, But they've rented a seaside cottage this season. Templeton, as you probably know, Is Vice-President of an organization for Prohibition Enforcement. His work makes it necessary for him to be nearer Town this year. He says that’s why he decided to stay at the shore. Of course, the fact that his bootlegger Will not make deliveries in the mountains Could not have influenced his decision. Who Sit and Wait HE day clerk at Manor-on-Sea Has seen summer residents come and go Since the days when dancing was a diversion And not a fever symptom. Of the female of the species he says: “They sit all day on the veranda And tell each other how good it is To be free from their husbands Pursuit of Happiness For a few hours each day. MBs Edward Van Hampft Jones But if the poor saps miss the five-seven And Mr.— And get here on the fivethirty-four The Van Hampft thing being a war product, They sulk all evening.” Like the Jones’ fortune— , Are going to summer in the mountains. Mrs. Edward Van Hampft, etc., used to spend the hot spell In a wrapper and a rocking chair. Her greatest exertion was turning over the pages Of the morning paper in the afternoon, And wondering how the Widow Murtha did all that wash. Now she will don $800 worth of clothes And pay heavily for the privilege of hitting a little ball With a slender stick, And walking farther in an hour than she used to In a month. And Mr. will accompany her. Thinking, in the silence broken only by the creaking Of new golf shoes, Of the grand old days when he used to sit In Schulze’s beer garden and play pinochle. Whose happiness the gods would destroy They make wealthy in middle age. J. K.M. comicbooks.com