The Wasp — 1887 — page 195: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

The page contains three distinct elements: **"An Oakland Catastrophe"** discusses financial troubles at the Seventh Congregational Church in Oakland. Church leadership promised $1,000 for missionaries but lacks funds. The pastor considers selling church property and is embarrassed by the congregation's inability to meet commitments. **"A Serious Failing"** is a poem by C.H. Thayer about personal integrity and keeping one's word, apparently commenting on broken promises generally. **The illustration** (left) depicts a woman in period dress near a building—likely relating to the Oakland church situation, though the specific figure is unclear from the visual alone. **"Catarrh, Catarrhal Deafness and Hay Fever"** is a medical advertisement for treatments. The satire targets the hypocrisy of a religious institution unable to honor its charitable pledges—a pointed criticism of institutional moral failure during the period.