Life — October 21, 1926 — page 12: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Mrs. Peps' Diary and "A Bargain" - Life Magazine Page This page features two distinct satirical pieces: **Mrs. Peps' Diary** is a humorous diary entry about moving day chaos and social obligations. The accompanying sketch shows a woman with a child, illustrating domestic life struggles. **"A Bargain"** is a brief joke exchange between a jokesmith and his wife about his profession. He claims he only writes jokes and articles; his wife notes she can't remember any addresses except "Lire" (appearing to reference the magazine's location). The final punchline references Cal Coolidge, the U.S. President at the time, suggesting the jokesmith's work lacks originality—his content is merely "Cal Coolidge dressed up." The bottom section contains commentary about American fathers' anxiety regarding news delivery and domestic responsibilities, offering social satire about 1920s family life and gender roles.