The Wasp — 1895 — page 100: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains a serialized story called "The Old Maid's Diary" alongside editorial commentary about female journalists and a cartoon titled "The Madame Yale Exercises." The cartoon depicts women performing calisthenics or gymnastics exercises, likely satirizing the physical fitness craze of the era. The caption references "Madame Yale," suggesting a real or fictional fitness instructor promoting exercises to women. The accompanying text criticizes female reporters and editors, with the author dismissing a "plain little girl" who aspires to journalism as unfit for the profession. The passage suggests contemporary skepticism about women's professional ambitions, particularly in publishing. The overall page reflects early 20th-century attitudes mocking both women's professional aspirations and their participation in emerging fitness movements.