I remember at the time telling Hearst what a good idea it would be to add color to these images. He replied “Buzza Wuzza, yet again you have influenced the course of the American comic strip!”. He was of course referring to my previous suggestion that we create a website on the internet to feature the works of talented beginning cartoonists.
Many, many thanks to Peter Maresca for collecting and publishing this material! Not only do these cartoons have historical and entertainment value, but they are also very well drawn: a distinct and wonderful contrast to much of today’s work.
The first looks like the yellow kid. The second looks like a sweet, non-sarcastic much younger child with kewpie-like blond hair and undetectable ears. Remember, in those days, all small children (boys and girls alike) were kept in dresses until a certain age. I’m pretty sure that’s a random toddler, not the “yellow kid.” See, e.g., “clothing and Gender in America 1890-1920” (google it) for the changeover from boys in skirts / long hair to boys in pants/short hair.
Actually, boy’s “dresses” were called “smocks” and were specifically made to be worn by boys. The term “smock” actually referred, at that time, to the fact that they buttoned at the rear. (The front-buttoning dress and blouse style was called “shirt-waist”) These days the only place you see them anymore is in illustrations of the stereotypical painter with his beret, brushes & pallet, and white smock. (My own grandfather is in a smock in one of his baby pictures, taken ca. 1910.)
Fantastic stuff. These old cartoons were so well executed. The drawing here, the corner of the top piece, the children looking out a window, laundry on a line, the spire of a church in the distance with birds taking flight. A miniature urban landscape. “Don’t guy the performers.” Was that “to guy” as in to tease or mock? The strips are a peak into another culture. Wonderful.
Buzza Wuzza over 11 years ago
I remember at the time telling Hearst what a good idea it would be to add color to these images. He replied “Buzza Wuzza, yet again you have influenced the course of the American comic strip!”. He was of course referring to my previous suggestion that we create a website on the internet to feature the works of talented beginning cartoonists.
starfighter441 over 11 years ago
Now this is definitely going on my favourites list.
fonddulac58 over 11 years ago
Ah, the Victorians !!!! now we’re getting somewhere !!
Vet Premium Member over 11 years ago
Beautiful stuff. A mirror on the late 19th century fixing to go into the 20th.
Thomas Pallen Premium Member over 11 years ago
Many, many thanks to Peter Maresca for collecting and publishing this material! Not only do these cartoons have historical and entertainment value, but they are also very well drawn: a distinct and wonderful contrast to much of today’s work.
Joy Sabl Premium Member over 11 years ago
The first looks like the yellow kid. The second looks like a sweet, non-sarcastic much younger child with kewpie-like blond hair and undetectable ears. Remember, in those days, all small children (boys and girls alike) were kept in dresses until a certain age. I’m pretty sure that’s a random toddler, not the “yellow kid.” See, e.g., “clothing and Gender in America 1890-1920” (google it) for the changeover from boys in skirts / long hair to boys in pants/short hair.
Karen345 over 11 years ago
so beautiful
reynard61 over 11 years ago
Actually, boy’s “dresses” were called “smocks” and were specifically made to be worn by boys. The term “smock” actually referred, at that time, to the fact that they buttoned at the rear. (The front-buttoning dress and blouse style was called “shirt-waist”) These days the only place you see them anymore is in illustrations of the stereotypical painter with his beret, brushes & pallet, and white smock. (My own grandfather is in a smock in one of his baby pictures, taken ca. 1910.)
smacdon over 11 years ago
Fantastic stuff. These old cartoons were so well executed. The drawing here, the corner of the top piece, the children looking out a window, laundry on a line, the spire of a church in the distance with birds taking flight. A miniature urban landscape. “Don’t guy the performers.” Was that “to guy” as in to tease or mock? The strips are a peak into another culture. Wonderful.
Attila The Voice! over 11 years ago
What a fascinating portrayal of life at the time. So many rags and patches.