The Comic Drunk – 1919
This comic postcard from the era of the first World War reminds us how views of public intoxication have changed.
In our time, drunkenness is much less likely to become a matter of humor.
The figure in the comic illustration, staggering down the street and mistaking a clothes dummy for a person, bears a resemblance to W.C.Fields whose comedy routines (which were very successful and celebrated) often involved themes of intoxication.
This postcard, printed in England, was mailed from Harrisburg on August 21, 1919.
George writes to Mr. J. Kilgore who resided at 243 North Arch Street in Lancaster.
Saying that he had something “important” to share, George tells Mr. Kilgore about his intended visit to Lancaster.
George announces that he will arrive about 10 o’clock.
The parenthetical addition suggests that the important matter had to do with John.
One hopes that George met his friend as planned and that the important matter was settled satisfactorily.
