The Wasp — 1891 — page 12: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# The Wasp Cover, January 3, 1891 This is a New Year's satirical cover featuring a fairy-like figure with wings carrying an umbrella marked "1891." The character appears whimsical and optimistic, holding papers labeled "Happy New," "New," and "Year"—fragmentary references to New Year's greetings. The poem at bottom reads: "The new year comes and the old year goes, / And the joys of life are fleeting; / But THE WASP comes humming in brand new clothes, / And he makes you joyous greeting." The satire is straightforward: *The Wasp* magazine itself is personified as the mischievous figure, announcing its continued existence and satirical mission into 1891. The umbrella likely references protection or covering—suggesting the publication will shield readers with humor and social commentary throughout the coming year. The smiling moon and San Francisco landscape ground this as local California satire.