The Wasp — 1890 — page 84: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains theatrical gossip and advertisements rather than political satire. The main illustrated section shows a fishing scene with two women, captioned "Summer Resorts of the Future," depicting a humorous dialogue about where San Franciscans plan to spend summer 1893. The text discusses W.H. Crane's theatrical career, A.M. Palmer's production of "Captain Swift," and Nellie McHenry's performance. There's brief mention of the Capital Hotel in Sacramento changing ownership to "Brown & Townsend" and becoming Republican party headquarters. The largest section describes the upcoming California Café, emphasizing its elaborate design and strict rules (ladies admitted only with gentlemen and proper rooms). The cartoon's humor appears to stem from the contrast between refined resort aspirations and the practical realities of 1890s leisure travel.