The Wasp — 1896 — page 14: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains mixed content: a poem ("The Lorelei" by Lucius H. Foote), subscription advertising for The Wasp magazine, and portraits with brief satirical commentary on prominent San Francisco citizens. The "New Year Resolutions" section features photographs of local figures making humorous pledges—Mayor Sutro promises never to run for office again; Dr. O. Brown vows to stop wearing loud socks. "Miss" Martha Overmay is described as an "innocent" widow who "plunged Rev. C. O. Brown in a pack of trouble," suggesting some local scandal. The advertisements emphasize The Wasp's value: a gold-laque watch or silver clock offered as subscription incentives. The overall tone is lighthearted mockery of San Francisco's civic leadership and social elite.