Life, 1923-07-26 · page 21 of 42
Life — July 26, 1923 — page 21: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains two distinct pieces satirizing early 20th-century American social attitudes. **"Auto Suggestive"** mocks puritanical prudishness about automobiles. The author feigns shock that car dealerships openly display mechanical parts—"nude chassis," differentials, valve systems—near churches (specifically referencing Dr. John Roach Straton, a real NYC fundamentalist minister). The satire targets those who believe technical automotive discussion is "demoralizing" and immodest. The joke is that these people treat car mechanics with the same scandal they'd reserve for actual impropriety. **"A Dutch Treat"** cartoon depicts someone (labeled "EDWARD BORK") salting a bird, satirizing Prohibition-era circumvention—likely referencing alcohol smuggling or black-market dealings hidden under innocent pretenses. **"The Bridge Between"** is a poem about friendship undermined when wives don't get along—specifically can't play bridge together, a popular social game. It's a gentle commentary on how marriages complicate male friendships. The page reflects 1920s anxieties: automotive modernity versus moral conservatism, Prohibition enforcement, and changing social dynamics.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Auto Suggestive BLUSHED. There wasn’t even a shade at the window. Just plain, boldly transpar- ent glass. And brilliant illumination. There, standing on the white tiling, was a nude chassis. Not a thing cov- ering it. “So this is Broadway!” I gasped, and hurriedly moved on. Three doors farther along I saw people bending over something in rapt scrutiny. What could it be? I looked. Heavens!—they were being shown the anatomy of a differential. A step beyond I was confronted with a sign which said: “Come in and let us demonstrate the unique valve system of the Stupor Six.” But worse awfulness was in store. \ pagan placard heralded: “Sport Bodies to suit your individual taste.” It amazed me that such shameless- ness should be flaunted within five minutes’ walk of the church of Dr. John Roach Straton. Perhaps I am old-fashioned, but I have always felt that certain things in life had best not be discussed in public, much less exhibited. I believe in modesty and closed hoods. This modern custom of talking freely about things like gaskets and lubrica- tion is demoralizing. Yet I have beheld displayed where the passer-by could hardly avoid see- ing them, not only diagrams but ac- tual engines, revealing What a Pro- spective Auto Owner Auto Know. It is educational, but is it wise? Thank heaven, I have kept my illu- Mother: WHAT ARE YOU DOING, Kitty: “DON’T BE SI “YES, I CAN. | CAN READ ‘THE TH READING THE » DEAR, YOU CAN'T READ.” EE BEARS’ WITHOUT ON! BOOK AND THAT'S MORE THAN YOU AND DADDY sions. To me my car is still what the salesman said it was. I would not seek to pry into its private affairs. It is still a thing of mystery that keeps me guessing and cranking. And so it shall be till it dies on me. Lawton Mackall. A DUTCH TREAT The Bridge Between TRONG greatly formed Out of the matter that endures. was our friendship, Comrade to you, my heart was warmed~— Then, though, my wife had not met yours. How could we know that trump” Wasn't the same in every set? “one no- Life is a thorough-going chump, Making but wreckage and regret. How we went dreaming long ago, Clambered together —_ boyhood's ridge, Stood, and show— Then, though, our wives had not played bridge. K. M. surveyed the distant HE only way to get even with the prohibition agents is to call a buyers’ strike. OST village loafers have realized their boyish ambitions, . comicbooks.com 3 AT THE,