“A Sense of Humor” (Among Us Mortals, 7/6/1919) by W.E. Hill

“A Sense of Humor” (Among Us Mortals, 7/6/1919)
by W.E. (William Ely) Hill (1887-1962)
6 x 9 in., pencil and crayon on board

W.E. (William Ely) Hill (1887-1962) was known for his masterful black and white Sunday page, “Among Us Mortals,” sometimes referred to as the Hill Page. Please see the Gallery description for more about Hill.

The “Hill Page” started in 1916. In the early years, the panels were done independently and then assembled in the production process.

This image was used in the July 6, 1919 edition, titled “A Sense of Humor,” with this caption:

“Mr. Boley’s humor is awfully dry. For instance, if some one hands him a cigar he will sniff it and say, “For the lov o’ Mike, what’s it made of, onions? Good-night nurse!” (Loud guffaws from Mr. Boley.)”

Just FYI: “good night – interjection” was an expression used to indicate or comment on a disastrous conclusion, also used to indicate surprise or exasperation, and often combined with “nurse” and “Irene,” instead of cursing.

The “A Way with Words” podcast answered a caller on the origin of this phrase on April 11, 2009: Eric Partridge, a lexicographer, says it dates from 1908-10. It is imagined it became popular in WW1 from the soldiers passing through the battle hospitals. Later on, it was used as a movie title (Keaton/Arbuckle) and a song title (Mae West).