Life — August 11, 1927 — page 7: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Wolf Fuelner" and "Squaring the Circle" The main poem by Edgar Lee Masters satirizes a small-town scandal involving Wolf Fuelner, who ran a brewery and restaurant. The narrative describes two competing local events: Rev. Meck's religious revival (which converts souls) and increased police activity against gambling and vice—apparently spearheaded by the reverend. The story culminates darkly when armed men arrive at Fuelner's establishment, leading to his suicide. The accompanying illustration shows the chaos of that final scene—the woman with the umbrella and the confrontation below. The bottom "Squaring the Circle" section is a brief satirical exchange mocking someone named Smithson's failed vacation attempt. The page reflects early 20th-century small-town hypocrisy: religious fervor paired with moral policing leading to tragic consequences.