The Wasp — 1878 — page 176: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical illustration depicts California tourist activities and leisure pursuits, likely from the late 19th century. The page shows various scenes labeled with California locations: Calistoga, Santa Cruz, Sheila, and references to "Going to the Springs." The cartoons illustrate popular recreational activities—fishing, horseback riding, camping, and visiting mineral springs resorts—that attracted wealthy visitors to California. The exaggerated character sketches mock both the tourists and the rustic settings they frequented. The satirical intent appears to target the pretensions of Eastern visitors attempting outdoor pursuits, and possibly to comment on California's emerging tourism industry and leisure culture. The detailed maps and location labels suggest commentary on how California was being marketed and developed as a vacation destination for the affluent.