Life, 1925-02-26 · page 15 of 36
Life — February 26, 1925 — page 15: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains satirical commentary on California and its reputation. The main cartoon depicts what appears to be a rancher or settler discussing California's health benefits with visitors—the caption reveals dark humor: establishing a healthy reputation required shooting people to start a cemetery, implying California's deadly frontier conditions contradicted its marketing as a health destination. The "Between the Lines of Californiana" section mocks California boosterism—exaggerated claims about sunshine, natural resources, and superiority. It parodies promotional literature's dishonest marketing while acknowledging California's genuine appeal. "The California Calendar" humorously depicts the state's famously inconsistent spring weather through three identical sunny panels with contradictory captions about rain and climate, satirizing the unpredictability locals experience despite the region's advertised perfect weather.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“Is IT MEALTHY OUT HERE? “WEALTHY? SAY, THEY HAD TO SHOOT A COUPLE OF PROPLE TO START A CEMETERY.” Between the Lines of ‘Californiana (By a Californian) F you are coming to California, you are coming to heaven. (Don't forget your overcoat.) It is the land of eternal sunshiné. (Bring your umbrella, rubbers, furs. h underwear, and wool blankets.) Leave forever behind you your ear- mi snow banks, and icicles, (There are plenty in Shasta and other Northern California counties.) Here you will find everything your heart desires. (But don't ask for fresh Florida rapefruit!) This is the greatest state in the Union. (It really is!) Flora Davis, Refractory LUMBER’S ASSISTANT: This faucet sticks something terrible. Piumper: Must be a one-man tap. AN FRANCISCO'S hospitality is well known. They have never given a visitor the Golden Gate. Lire's Little Sermons ONSIDER the Californian! From sun up to sun down and even after he beateth the cymbals and shouteth in a loud voice from the house- tops that he is a native son. He dis- turbeth Nevada far into the night as he crieth that his is the wonder state, and he harasseth the tourist with tales of its wonders. He pointeth with pride to Pike’s Peak and he vieweth with alarm the Yellow Peril. Doth a man sneeze he fleeth for his life shouting, “Earthquake.” He boasteth of the stars that shine in the firmament at Hollywood and speaketh with reverence of Helen Wills. He painteth the future of California in fiery letters and piticth the inhabi- tants of other states, and in so doing he sometimes stretcheth the truth, For he, too, is human even as a resi- dent of Chicago. Stuart Little, The California Calendar \Vtss WN \uty WX “ a “Isn't this green grand —or-vuh- ‘wasn't it!” (Go back to page 6 and start all over again.) comicbooks.com