There was never any real plan to do a dissertation on the history of wardrobe malfunctions in art, even just in postcard art. However, the possibilities of revealing accidents are limitless, and it is a fear common to most of us, regardless of class or gender. As a mighty philosopher once stated, “Everybody’s gotContinue reading “Out On a Tear”
Tag Archives: jokes
Keep Your Skirt Down; You’re a Big Girl Now
In our last thrilling episode, we were considering the Windy Day school of Wardrobe Malfunction postcards. These small cardboard jokes were aimed primarily at a bit more leg exposure than was allowed the average woman going about her daily chores. But if the breezes did not cooperate, an artist could resort to more slapstickContinue reading “Keep Your Skirt Down; You’re a Big Girl Now”
Did They Really…Yeah, They Did
For reasons we needn’t go into, the above has never been one of my favorite gags. But I believe it helps illustrate that our ancestors were not as shy about sex as we like to believe. (As noted hereintofore, that’s how they got to be ancestors.) This is a joke which makes absolutely noContinue reading “Did They Really…Yeah, They Did”
Having It Both Ways
A few months gone, we discussed in this space the concept of the trade card, a Victorian sales device issued by stores who realized that if people started collecting these, they would come to the store to see if a new one was ready. Getting someone into the store was half the battle, afterContinue reading “Having It Both Ways”
FICTION FRIDAY: The Christmas Clown
Beth swept snow from the top of the last box and threw herself onto a chair. She was immediately sorry she’d done this: her soaking wet gloves and sodden stocking cap were right under her. It didn’t really matter. The last of the snow was disappearing into her coat, turned into ice water toContinue reading “FICTION FRIDAY: The Christmas Clown”
Hey, I’m New At This
Not so long ago in this space, we considered the jokes swapped between residents of the rural parts of the world and those who lived in the city. This town vs. country debate is ancient and widespread, and COULD be considered part of the basic human belief that the people who live the wayContinue reading “Hey, I’m New At This”
Calling Up the Past
One of the saddest bits of joke archaeology is running across fossils: jokes which were once alive and kicking, quivering with excitement at the laugh that would be forthcoming when the audience heard it for the eighty-third time. Sometimes they do not realize they have been told for the last time, and wait inContinue reading “Calling Up the Past”
MIDWEEK FICTION: All Write and No Play
“Now, Mr. Edison, about this latest contraption of yours….” “Yes. I call it the ‘autopen’. You sign your name on this template and load it into the machine, and the stylus follows that signature to sign it as many times as needed. It should be a godsend to the busy executive who mustContinue reading “MIDWEEK FICTION: All Write and No Play”
Coulda Oughta
It seems like just the other day that I was going through my inventory of postcards showing old cars so that I could illustrate a column filled with fine old jokes. Come to think of it, that WAS just the other day. You can go back and read the last blog any old timeContinue reading “Coulda Oughta”
Auto Incorrect
Antique postcards with cars tell us how different driving was, once upon a time. They take us back to when steering wheels were just replacing the tiller and all cars were reverse convertibles (you had to stop somewhere to put the roof ON.) Dusty ghosts of bygone rules rise from the past and weContinue reading “Auto Incorrect”