The Wasp — 1894 — page 494: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page features two team photographs rather than satirical cartoons. The top image shows the University of Chicago football team that won a Christmas Day game 24-4, with players identified by name below (including captain Allen). The bottom photograph shows the Leland Stanford Jr. University football team, also with player names listed. The page appears to be documenting a significant early college football rivalry game between these two prestigious institutions. The "Great Christmas Day Game" was apparently a notable sporting event worthy of magazine coverage. Rather than satire, this functions as sports journalism, presenting the competing teams side-by-side for readers' comparison. The careful identification of players suggests contemporary interest in collegiate athletics and team rosters.