Life — September 28, 1922 — page 10: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Old Bill Nickel" - Political Cartoon Analysis The central illustration depicts a caricatured figure labeled "Old Bill Nickel" sitting atop a barrel, appearing to be a vagrant or hobo. The caption reads: "Hi Potter has two half-brothers, but he alters sez he has only one 'cause two halves make one!" This appears to be a play on words satirizing someone named Potter (possibly a public figure of the era), making a joke about mathematics and family relations. The hobo character "Old Bill Nickel" may represent common people or underclass commentary. The surrounding "Life Lines" are brief satirical quips on various American topics: Greek soldiers, coal thieves, movie stars, beer consumption, and admission prices. Without precise historical context, the specific targets remain unclear, though the tone suggests general social criticism typical of *Life* magazine's satirical mission.