Life, 1926-02-04 · page 7 of 40
Life — February 4, 1926 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains a satirical story titled "Meetings in Heaven: Messer Christopher Columbus and Leif Ericson." The narrative presents a humorous encounter between the two historical explorers in the afterlife, with Columbus claiming credit for discovering America while Ericson—a Viking—points out he arrived first, centuries earlier. The accompanying illustration depicts the two men meeting in what appears to be a heavenly setting. The satire mocks Columbus's celebrated status as America's discoverer despite Ericson's earlier Norse arrival, a historical fact that challenges the conventional narrative taught in American schools. This appears designed to humorously expose the selective nature of historical credit and national mythology around discovery and exploration.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Meetings in Heaven Messer Christopher Columbus and Leif Ericson SER CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS was walking down the market street of Heaven deep in thought He was going to a party and was try- ing to think up a new trick—he just couldn't do that one about standing an egg on end again. Suddenly he was seized by the arm. He looked up and saw a gigantic Norseman over him. “Columbu man, “That's my name.” “I thought so. you a long time, friend. towering questioned the Norse- I've been looking for You're the bozo that’s been going around claiming he discovered America, aren't you?” “I did discover it,” began Columbus “Applesauce,” said the other. “That's all wet. I discovered America.” “Who are you? asked Columbus. “Leif Ericson. That's who [ am. Leif Ericson, a Viking and son of Vikings. d the big pond before you were even thinking about being born.” Columbus sneered. For so mild a man it was quite a sneer. “I've heard of you,” he said. “They found some stones in America that some idiot said had been put there by nd you don't think they were put there by me, man?” asked “Who are you calling a white-pants yachtsman?” said Columbus, getting up his Italian, “You! Three ships and the best you could do was San Salvador.” you white-pants yachts ricson, looking ugly. Where? In your hat?” “Look here, Mister’ Columbus, do you want a rap in the jaw?” said Columbus, ‘So's your old man, and they squared off. Just as Ericson was about to lead with his right, there came a blare of trumpets, and the two explorers turned to look. Down the street came a wagon in which were seated six sombre-look- ing, black-coated, lantern-jawed indi- viduals. Each wore a tall black top hat and bore a banner. “Make Heaven Dry,” was the legend of one. “Down with Nectar,” “Down with Harp-Playing.” were two of the others, and the remaining three were of the same nature. An angry crowd followed the wagon It passed. The sound of the trumpets died away. “Who were they?” Columbus asked a small boy “Them? tieth Century Americans—just arrived. Leif Ericson and Columbus looked at each other a moment in dead silence Then Ericson spoke. Them's a party of Twen NSS S x SSS \ NSS Flapper: “You were right, old boy,” he said “I didn't put those stones there. 1 wasn't ever near you were the gu: America !” “Not much,” sai was Cuba I discovered it.” Bert Discard MBS: HOBART: How ean 1 make my husband jeal Mes. Bocart: Why toned thing, divorce him! I WANT A PAIR OF HPAVY WALKING SHIORS FOR MOTORING. comicbooks.com