Wehman Bros.' Vaudeville Jokes No. 1

In Short

Wehman Bros.' Vaudeville Jokes No. 1 is a compilation of witty one-liners, puns, and comedic scenarios from the vaudeville era. Published in 1907, it captures the humor of the time, blending wordplay, absurdity, and social commentary. The book's enduring appeal lies in its ability to transport readers to a bygone era of entertainment, offering a unique perspective on the comedic sensibilities of the early 20th century.

The Story

This book is not a narrative but a collection of jokes, each standing alone as a snapshot of vaudeville humor. The jokes cover a wide range of topics, from everyday life and relationships to more absurd and fantastical scenarios. They often rely on wordplay, puns, and clever twists, reflecting the comedic style of the era. The book opens with a series of one-liners, such as "The coalman’s season may be the winter, and the summer the iceman’s harvest, so that it’s possible the milkman finds his greatest profit in the spring," setting the tone for the clever and playful humor that follows.

As the book progresses, the jokes become more varied, with some taking the form of short dialogues or scenarios. For example, a man tells a story about his wife, who is "too stuck up" after an accident, only to reveal that she's literally stuck due to adhesive plaster. Another joke plays with the idea of a man being "on the wrong train" repeatedly, culminating in a humorous encounter with a minister. The book also includes jokes that comment on social issues, such as a joke about a wealthy man who "did not have a pair of shoes to cover his feet" while bathing, highlighting the absurdity of class distinctions.

The humor in Wehman Bros.' Vaudeville Jokes No. 1 is often based on surprise, with punchlines that subvert expectations or reveal a clever twist. For instance, a joke about a man's "big head" being attributed to drinking water, only to reveal that he can "get drunk on water just the same as you can on land." The book also features jokes that play with language, such as a pun on the word "sheeneys," or a joke about a "porous plaster" that's both a medical remedy and a play on words.

Throughout the collection, the jokes showcase the vaudeville era's comedic sensibilities, blending wit, absurdity, and social commentary. The book's final jokes continue this trend, with clever wordplay and unexpected twists. For example, a joke about a "strait" being a "rubber-neck" plays with the double meaning of the word, while another joke about a "draw" in a fight between dentists reveals a clever pun on the word. The book concludes with a series of jokes that showcase the era's humor, leaving readers with a sense of the vaudeville stage's lively and entertaining atmosphere.

How It Unfolds

The collection begins: With a series of one-liners and short jokes, setting the tone for the clever and playful humor that follows.

Wordplay takes center stage: Many jokes rely on puns, double entendres, and clever twists of language, showcasing the vaudeville era's love for linguistic humor.

Everyday life is parodied: Jokes about relationships, work, and social interactions offer a humorous take on the mundane, often with a surprising twist.

Absurdity reigns: Some jokes delve into the fantastical, with scenarios that defy logic and reason, adding an element of surreal humor.

Social commentary emerges: Certain jokes subtly comment on class, gender, and other social issues, revealing the era's attitudes and prejudices.

Dialogue-driven humor: Many jokes take the form of short conversations, with clever back-and-forth exchanges that build to a humorous punchline.

Surprise endings: The book's jokes often rely on unexpected twists and subverted expectations, keeping readers on their toes.

Vaudeville's spirit shines: Throughout the collection, the jokes capture the lively, entertaining atmosphere of the vaudeville stage, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of humor.

The People

As a collection of jokes, Wehman Bros.' Vaudeville Jokes No. 1 does not feature central characters with distinct arcs or motivations. However, the jokes themselves often involve stereotypical figures or archetypes, such as:

The clever wordsmith: A character who uses language to outwit others, often with a pun or clever twist.

The hapless victim: A figure who falls prey to misunderstandings or absurd situations, providing comedic relief.

The social commentator: A voice that subtly critiques societal norms or attitudes, using humor to highlight absurdities.

The absurd protagonist: A character who finds themselves in fantastical or surreal situations, adding an element of the ridiculous.

These figures, while not fully developed characters, represent the types of personas and comedic styles that were popular in vaudeville-era humor.

In Its Own Voice

"The coalman’s season may be the winter, and the summer the iceman’s harvest, so that it’s possible the milkman finds his greatest profit in the spring."

This opening line sets the tone for the book's clever and playful humor, using a series of seasonal associations to create a humorous observation.

"I said: ‘Are you coming back?’"

This punchline from a joke about a man being run over by a team on Broadway showcases the book's use of surprise and subverted expectations, as the man's response is both humorous and unexpected.

"Yes; I was moved half way across the sidewalk."

This joke's punchline reveals the vaudeville era's love for wordplay and clever twists, as the phrase "moved" takes on a double meaning.

What It's Really About

At its core, Wehman Bros.' Vaudeville Jokes No. 1 is a reflection of the comedic sensibilities and social attitudes of the early 20th century. The book's jokes offer a window into the vaudeville era's humor, which often relied on wordplay, absurdity, and social commentary. The collection explores themes such as:

Language and communication: Many jokes play with language, highlighting the importance of words and their multiple meanings in humor.

Social norms and expectations: The book's jokes often subvert or comment on societal norms, revealing the era's attitudes towards class, gender, and relationships.

Absurdity and surrealism: Some jokes delve into the fantastical, showcasing the vaudeville era's appreciation for the ridiculous and the unexpected.

Wit and cleverness: The collection celebrates the art of the pun, the twist, and the clever turn of phrase, emphasizing the importance of intelligence and wordplay in humor.

Ultimately, Wehman Bros.' Vaudeville Jokes No. 1 is a testament to the enduring power of humor to entertain, surprise, and offer a unique perspective on the human experience.

Why Read It Today

Wehman Bros.' Vaudeville Jokes No. 1 offers a fascinating glimpse into the humor of a bygone era, providing a unique window into the comedic sensibilities of the early 20th century. Readers interested in the history of entertainment, humor, or popular culture will find the book a valuable resource, showcasing the vaudeville era's wit, wordplay, and social commentary.

The book's jokes, while rooted in their time, still have the power to entertain and surprise, with many relying on universal themes and clever twists that transcend their historical context. Fans of wordplay, puns, and clever humor will particularly enjoy the collection, which is filled with examples of the vaudeville era's distinctive comedic style.

However, readers should be aware that the book reflects the attitudes and prejudices of its time, with some jokes relying on stereotypes or outdated social norms. Additionally, the book's language and humor may require some familiarity with early 20th-century slang and cultural references.

Despite these potential challenges, Wehman Bros.' Vaudeville Jokes No. 1 remains a fascinating and entertaining read, offering a unique perspective on the history of humor and a chance to experience the lively, entertaining atmosphere of the vaudeville stage. For those willing to engage with the book on its own terms, it provides a delightful and illuminating journey into the world of early 20th-century comedy.