Puck — October 23, 1878 — page 3: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "The Rival Showmen in Brooklyn" — Puck Magazine This satirical piece mocks competing theatrical entrepreneurs in Brooklyn, particularly focusing on showmen named Heecker and Talmage who are rivals for audience attention. The article suggests Heecker, described as sensational and mercenary, is trying to outdo a religious figure (Talmage) by offering increasingly spectacular entertainments—elephants, whales, and other novelties—to draw crowds. The satire critiques both men: Talmage for his self-righteous preaching and Heecker for crass commercialism. The piece humorously suggests their competition represents the absurd extremes of entertainment versus religion in Brooklyn society, with both exploiting public curiosity for profit or influence. The underlying joke is that both "showmen" use similar manipulative tactics despite their different venues.