Life, 1925-11-26 · page 28 of 44
Life — November 26, 1925 — page 28: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
**Main Cartoon (top):** A real estate office caller asks if the boss is in; the office boy replies he left "$15,000 ago"—satirizing the Florida real estate bubble where salesmen absconded with clients' money. **"Thoughts on Florida" Section:** Famous historical figures (Thoreau, Izaak Walton, Cleopatra) are humorously imagined commenting on Florida. The satire mocks Florida's dangerous wildlife (aggressive fish requiring steel "fishing-booths") and its attractions as a resort destination, presenting it as simultaneously exclusive and hazardous. **"The Final Stage" Comic:** A mother asks about her daughter's suitor's progress; the daughter reveals he and her father will "sit in conference tomorrow"—suggesting the courtship has reached formal, bureaucratic negotiations rather than romantic moments. **"Cold Comfort" Item:** Darkly jokes that America's coal strike (a labor dispute causing heating fuel shortages) has an unexpected benefit: reduced radiator rattling. The page reflects 1920s anxieties: Florida's speculative boom-and-bust, labor unrest, and courtship formalities.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Caller (in real estate office): 1s THE BOSS IN? Office Boy: No, HE LEFT HERE ABQUT $15,000 aco. \ Thoughts on Florida HOREAU: “I'm sorry that I didn’t hear of some of these most exclusive residential suburbs in Florida before. It would have been much bet- ter than the comparatively crowded woods around Walden’s Pond. If I ever want to become a recluse again, I will certainly look into some most exclusive suburb about forty miles from a railroad.” Izaak Walton: “When the next edition of my ‘Compleat Angler’ goes to press, I shall surely include a chapter on how to defend oneself from the ravenous fish of Florida. I shall recommend that every fisherman purchase one of these newly patented steel fishing-booths. Nearly every day I hear of some fisherman who is attacked by a large fish jumping out of the water to snap the bait right out of his hands.” Cleopatra: “I always intended to take my houseboat for a little trip to Florida, but Antony was $0 busy and for a long time I was tied up on the vaudeville circuit with my pearl and vinegar act. I know that I could have reduced without any trouble on Florida’s orange juice.” R. H. F. The Final Stage! OTHER: Tell me, dear, is Harold making any progress with his courting? Davucuter: Why, haven't you” heard? are to sit in conference to-morrow evening. Father and he Cold Comfort MERICA'’S most confirmed optimist announces the dis- covery that the coal strike is having wonderful results in reducing the amount of rattling in steam radiators. DON'T like to buy anything from anybody. Some clerks will giggle. I don't like the giggling clerks because I always feel that I am the cause of their merri- ment, I don’t like to buy anything from anybody. Some clerks are so serious. I don't see why a man's buying winter under- wear, size 38, perhaps 40, should be a life-and-death matter. If I am in danger of pneumonia, the sale will save me; if not, the matter is trifling and not connected with the financial affairs of the sales person. I don’t like to buy anything from anybody. Some clerks are too familiar. I am not a brother to the male clerk, or Say to the female, I don't like to shop around any time for anything. Some clerks cannot talk so I under- stand their language. “Arrulookenseen- whajasayjuwannawerbowfidols” means nothing to me save that some adenoids grow faster than others. Besides, I hate to spend the money. James A. Sanaker “LJOW’S the acoustics in the new theatre?” “Splendid. The actors can hear every cough.” — FLORIDA MATHEMATICS Visitor: WHAT DO THEY TEACH YOU IN SCHOOL HERR? Young Cracker: ADDITION, MULTIPLICATION AND SUB- DIVISION, MA’AM. comicbooks.com