A complete issue · 32 pages · 1918
Judge — July 20, 1918
# Analysis of Judge Magazine Cover, July 30, 1918 This cover satirizes romantic indecision through the daisy-plucking game "She Loves Me; She Loves Me Not." Twelve young women in 1918 fashions (short skirts, bobbed hair) are arranged in a flower pattern around a black circle, each in different poses suggesting various emotional states or romantic situations. The satire likely targets the social disruption of WWI-era dating customs. With many men overseas, women had increased independence and dating freedom, creating romantic uncertainty. The "perpetual smileage book" subtitle suggests women's changing social roles and expressions were subjects of masculine anxiety or mockery in this period. The design playfully presents feminine romantic ambivalence as a contemporary cultural phenomenon worthy of humorous treatment.
# Judge Magazine, July 20, 1918 This page is primarily a **wartime fundraising advertisement**, not satire. It promotes "Smileage Books"—coupon booklets designed to finance entertainment for American soldiers in military camps during World War I. The central image shows soldiers smiling alongside two stern-faced men (likely military or government officials). The accompanying text emphasizes that wholesome entertainment is essential to soldier morale and training. Multiple theatrical venues are mentioned as providing performances. A quote attributes the campaign to **Newton D. Baker**, Secretary of War, lending government authority to the effort. The page includes a tear-out coupon encouraging readers to purchase and distribute Smileage Books to support troops. This represents typical WWI-era civilian mobilization for the war effort—using patriotic appeals and humor to raise funds for soldiers' welfare.
# Analysis This page is **not a cartoon or satire**—it's a business letter from Winchester Repeating Arms Company (New Haven, Connecticut) dated June 28, 1918. The letter is addressed to salesmen and sales managers, promoting a "Smileage Books" campaign running July 15–August 1. Winchester is requesting salespeople donate one day's earnings to sell these books to soldiers in military camps, framing it as morale support for troops during World War I. The letter argues this is both patriotic duty and good business practice, claiming soldiers need entertainment to maintain morale. It concludes with an appeal for voluntary participation in the fundraising drive. This represents wartime corporate patriotism messaging rather than editorial satire.
