Life, 1924-08-07 · page 10 of 36
Life — August 7, 1924 — page 10: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
**"The Man Who Had a Weakness for Accessories"** (cartoon, upper left): A satirical drawing of an overstuffed automobile bristling with gadgets and add-ons—hot/cold water, folding daybed, electric searchlight, radio, etc. The joke mocks the 1920s automobile accessory craze, when owners competed to outfit their cars with luxury features. The caption "It Won't Budge, Mary" suggests the vehicle has become so laden with extras it's immobilized—a commentary on conspicuous consumption and the absurdity of endless accessorizing. **"It Works!"** (article below): A humorous account about discovering radio reception in rural Pennsylvania, depicting early radio adoption's novelty and social appeal. **"Up to Date"** and the Sherlock Holmes illustration (right): Light conversational humor about contemporary social behaviors and children's slang.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
IT WON'T BUDGE, THE MAN WHO HAD A WEAKNESS FOR ACCESSORIES It Works! I MOVED out to the quiet little settlement of Parkspace Villas in order to be alone. I was fed up on people. The first week I met Simpkins, a resident there. “If you haven't got a radio,” he said, “drop in to my place to-night and listen to Coolidge.” “Radio!” I exclaimed. “I had the first one in the world. You come over and listen to mine.” He muttered something incomprehensible and vanished. Next I met Plankett. “I'm all tuned up for Coolidge to-night,” he said. “Better drop in at 8:45.” “Thanks,” I replied, “I've got one of my own and am listening to King George to-night. I've got the finest in the world. You join me.” He shook his head vaguely and hurried away. To Warble- ton, who lives opposite, to Billings, who is next door, to Whittler, who backs up against me, I ‘said in turn: “If you really want to hear Coolidge to-night, come to my place at 8:45. Concealed aérial. I got Japan yesterday.” That is why, since I moved to Parkspace Villas, life for me is one long, radiant peace and nobody ever comes near me... . Some day I may put one in. Thomas L, Masson, Up to Date VISITOR: Do you know what happens to little boys who swear? Jounny: Yes, sir. They get nominated for Vice- President. Midsummer OW is the time when rocking chairs wear ruts in the hotel porch; When the sun glares down on bald spots with the heat of a burning torch. Now is the time when golfers spend an hour upon the links And seven more at the nineteenth hole with gallons o/ sizzing drinks. Now is the time when tennis players go galloping round t! court; When fishermen snooze the hours away and call it a goo: day's sport*; When motor boats putt back and forth from shore to yacly to shore, And the younger set thrum ukes on deck to the bass of the captain’s snore. Now is the time when picnic eggs and napkins litter the park; When Corydon (Sammy) and Phyllis (Liz) join lips in the popping dark, Now is the time when a man reflects, as he gazes on bathing beauts, That the very best ads for the two-piece styles are the gals in the one-piece suits. Now is the time when the joy ride’s roar splits open the peaceful night. Now is the time when flies are loose and pennant races are tight. Now is the time when Society disports in more rural scenes, And now is when stuff like this is all you find in the magazines. Baron Ireland. *It—ho, hum—is.—Ed. ETH: Were you good friends down at the shore? Rutu: Oh, I let him save my life! Sherlock Holmes, Jr.: sue’s GOING FISHING. Young Watson: FisHING? THEN WHY THE BATHING SUIT? Sherlock Holmes, Jr.: THAT'S HER BAIT. comicbooks.com