The Wasp — 1887 — page 228: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page features nine portrait caricatures of prominent Los Angeles businessmen and developers, labeled with their names (including John D. Young, John R. Brierly, S.A. Wildon, E.B. Cushman, and others). The heading "BOOM" and subtitle referencing "Los Angeles" indicates this satirizes the city's real estate and development boom. The ornate decorative frames surrounding each portrait mock the grandiosity of these figures. The satire likely critiques wealthy developers driving speculative growth, rapid urbanization, or exploitative land practices during a period of rapid Los Angeles expansion. The term "boom" suggests both the economic excitement and the satirical suggestion of empty hype or unsustainable speculation. The Wasp was known for attacking California's business elite and corrupt practices.