Life, 1926-12-09 · page 14 of 45
Life — December 9, 1926 — page 14: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains two separate pieces of early 20th-century satire: **"The Gay Nineties" cartoon** depicts a wealthy couple in a carriage being cautioned about their footwear visibility—social commentary on class vanity and propriety during the 1890s. **"One on Santa"** is a brief story where Santa Claus expresses disappointment that children no longer believe in him, blaming this disbelief on comic papers that have made "wise-cracks" at his expense. It's satirical commentary on how popular media and cynicism erode childhood wonder and tradition. **"The Cigarette Manufacturer Chooses a Wife"** advertises a cigarette brand using humorous character descriptions, exemplifying period advertising that directly targeted readers with product endorsements framed as lifestyle advice.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“My DEAR, YOU must BE MORE CAREFUL. RIAGE I COULD SEE CLEAR UP The Gay Nineties One on Santa SANTA CLAUS returned to his humble home— Kamp Kris Kringle, it was called—and settled down before the blazing gas logs for a good long rest. “What's the trouble, Santa?’ in- quired the solicitous Mrs. Claus. “You look discouraged.” “Christmas ain’t what it used to be,” sighed the tried old saint. “I know—it never is,” she con- ceded. “But this year it ain’t what it used to be more than ever. It’s those kids...” “Don’t any of them believe in you any more?” “No, it isn’t that. I went down millions of chimneys and surprised millions of children who were wait- ing up for me and—and...” His voice choked. “And what?” “And not one of them made any vise-cracks at my expense.” “Why, Santa!” gasped Mrs. Claus, cheerily. “That's a gag in itself. You ought to sell that to one of the comic papers.” And—sure enough—he did. TO YOUR sHor Tors! JUST NOW WHEN YOU STEPPED INTO THE CAR- The Cigarette Manufac- turer Chooses a Wife W . Fragrant. Mild as May. Extraordinary delicacy. No after-effect. High Quality. Something better. Unchanging good taste. Endorsed by scions of royalty. Ask Dad. He knows. AN amateur plays according to Hoyle; a professional, accord- ing to Pyle. comicbooks.com