Captain Billy's Whiz Bang, January 1921 · page 54 of 68
Captain Billy's Whiz Bang #16 — page 54: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains reprinted classified ads from various newspapers, presented as humor through unintentional double meanings and awkward phrasing. The jokes exploit ambiguous language: "twin bed, never used, or might trade for baby buggy" (suggesting marital problems); "pretty old for white mule" (questioning the mule's age/value); "room with mate free" (unclear roommate arrangement); "Will deposits...be increased because of the runs?" (conflating bank runs with physical running); and "swimming of married couples" with "Ladies' suits furnished" (implying impropriety). This was a popular satirical format—presenting real classified ads that inadvertently created humorous interpretations through sloppy wording or unfortunate juxtaposition. The magazine credited various newspapers, suggesting these were actual published ads. The humor relies on readers catching the unintended double meanings or social impropriety embedded in innocent-sounding advertisements.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
52 Captain Billy's Whiz Bang Classified Ads It's No Good Now, Algy (From the Denver Post.) For Sale—One Twin bed, never used, or might trade for baby buggy. * * * Wait Till 1922 (From the Gary, Ind., Tribune.) Lost—White mule, 3 years old, finder return to Antonio Ca- zarro. That's pretty old for white mule. * * * The Persian Cat Again (From the Clinton Herald.) Lost—A large white tomcat with gray tail and two gray spots on body. Return to 1306 S. 3d st. and receive reward. Lost—Topsy, black Persian cat. Anyone seeing her call 231 5th ave. * * * Michigan Methods (From the Lansing State Journal.) Lady desiring room with mate free, may have same by inquir- ing 221 Townsend. * * * What Runs? (From the Boston Transcript.) Will deposits in the Lisle Silk bank be increased because of the runs? * * * That's A'right, We're Wed (From the Bulletin of the U. of M.) Class in swimming of married couples will be organized Monday. Ladies' suits furnished if desired.