“These Kids Today!” in 1862
Here is a look at precocious children from the past, courtesy of Punch magazine of London.
As a former teacher, I can relate to this one, titled Missus-ism.
Proud Mother (to the new Maid). “We parted with Sarah, because she was so sharp with our dear, sweet little Harry, who has such animal spirits, you know; throwing everything about, or kicking his football through the window — perhaps he’ll kick you too — but you must not mind it, for he’s such a lion-hearted, sensitive little fellow.”
Dentist. “Don’t cry, my little friend. I didn’t hurt your Sister very much — and besides, your Mamma has just given her half-a-crown”.
Boy. “Boo-hoo! M-m-mayn’t I have a tooth took out too?”
Uncle (who is rather proud of his cellar). “Now, George, my boy, there’s a glass of champagne for you — don’t get such stuff at school, eh? Eh? Eh?”
George. “H’m, awfully sweet! Very good sort for ladies — but I’ve arrived at a time of life, when I confess I like my wine dry!”
Grandpapa. “I’m afraid, Johnny, we shall not be able to get to the Bazaar today, while it rains thus.”
Johnny. “Never mind, I’ll tell you what; I’ll toss you and Grandma ‘odd man’ with my Half-Crown.”
I don’t know what “odd man” is, but this one is my favorite, because I have a little tintype where the woman is wearing a dress that is very similar to Grandma’s in the cartoon.
Tintype, circa 1862? I thought maybe this lady was expecting, but perhaps she is just stout like the woman in the Punch cartoon.
And lest you think that Punch only satirized the behavior of boys, I’ll finish up with one of their observations of a little girl’s behavior:
Fanny (after a morning’s mischief at Grandma’s). “Ah, I’ll tell you what we’ll play at now. You shall be dear, good little Fanny, and I’ll be cross, disagreeable, old Grandma.”
Grandma does not look too upset. Perhaps she remembers making a similar comment to her grandmother when she was little!
very funny……snarky little bits 🙂
The woman in the photo reminded me of someone and then I figured it out! She’s Daisy on the PBS show Keeping Up Appearances! Maybe you have a photo of her great grandmother!
Daisy! I can certainly see the resemblance, but that woman would be very disappointed if any descendant of hers even played such a character — warm-hearted, but unforgivably slovenly (I am sure this woman would think anyway). Also, that tintype came from here in the USA. Although it could have been brought over.
Apparently the ability of parents/relatives to see their offspring through rose colored glasses isn’t just a recent trait. Animal spirits, my foot. If I were a set designer for period dramas I’d be poring over these illustrations.
I have enjoyed the detail the illustrations so much! There are some features that recur, like long sleeves with three puffs above the elbow. So as a costume designer I would feel confident that that representative of 1862. But there is also portrayal of individuality in costume – the old ladies’ caps are various styles, the young ladies’ ball dresses have different trims. And the same thing goes for the interiors – dining chairs are basic but distinct from cartoon to cartoon, floral decorations and lamps differ. And I love how there is usually some clutter in the room to show it is lived in – folded newspapers or something.
The expressions on the children’s faces are priceless, especially in the the first illustration. Can’t you just hear his mind racing thinking of tricks he’ll play on the new maid!
I missed all these while away! As to pregnant or stout, I’ll bet stout. If she were pregnant wouldn’t she would be in confinement?
I don’t know, I don’t think anybody would be able to confine that lady. She looks very capable of handling anything or anybody that came her way. 🙂
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