The Wasp — 1878 — page 263: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical illustration depicts various scenes of San Francisco daily life organized around a central clock showing noon. The vignettes include: - "On Sacramento Street": well-dressed pedestrians and businessmen - "The Factory Girls": women workers - "Out of School": children leaving school - "Labor": a horse-drawn wagon with workers - "Lunch Field": men gathered, possibly for meals - "A Ride in the Black Maria" (police wagon): suggesting arrest or detention The "Noontime" theme appears to contrast different social classes and occupations during midday hours in 1880s San Francisco. The inclusion of "Black Maria" (a police van) alongside ordinary workers and schoolchildren suggests satirical commentary on class distinctions and law enforcement's relationship with working people. The page presents a cross-section of urban society at a specific moment.