The Wasp — 1892 — page 442: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains satirical articles and social commentary rather than political cartoons. The main illustrated feature shows a poorly-dressed man being measured or fitted, accompanying text about San Francisco widows and foolish husbands who spend money poorly. The satire targets men who work hard, save money, then get married to young wives who spend lavishly on fashion and frivolities. The author mocks the "fonda fide widow" as a cunning figure who manipulates marriages through experience with men. Below are brief social notices about local events (an Elks' Social, winter amusements) and a final entry on "butyric acid" discussing rancid butter poisoning—likely a public health warning disguised as casual commentary. The overall tone is misogynistic, targeting women's spending habits and marriage practices in turn-of-the-century San Francisco.