Work and Profession

Where it surfaces

• In the Wake of the News

  The narrator reflects on the demands of his job as a columnist, including the pressure to produce daily content and the challenges of writing under deadline.

• A Split Century

  The umpire's decisive call and the batter's silent acceptance highlight the professional roles and pressures in baseball.

• Monday

  The narrator discusses the boss's decision to give him one day off from the demanding task of writing the Wake, highlighting the balance between work and rest.

• Come On, You Roseate Day!

  The poem emphasizes the relentless nature of creative work, urging the writer to keep producing and never rest on past achievements.

• This Afternoon

  The narrator's lament about being forced to stay 'or get canned' highlights the theme of work obligations overriding personal comfort.

• To the Man Higher Up

  The poem centers on the narrator's work habits and the conditions affecting his writing quality.

• First Aid

  The narrator's craft of writing poetry is highlighted, showing the practical tools and frustrations of the trade.

• Valentines

  Each poem highlights a different newspaper role, from rewrite man to cashier, reflecting workplace dynamics.

• His Favorite Role

  The central focus is on the role of a garbage man, contrasting humble labor with more glamorous professions, and exploring the value and meaning of work.

• Regular Fellows I Have Met

  Each sketch centers on the individual's occupation, from lawyer and banker to restaurateur and baseball club president.

• Lawrence R. Adams

  Adams reflects on the measure of success in the hotel business through guest loyalty.

• B. F. Affleck

  The poem reflects a professional's perspective on how poor roads benefit the cement industry.

• Geo. S. Albaugh

  Geo. S. Albaugh is identified as a manufacturer, linking his identity to his profession.

• Col. Bion J. Arnold

  The chapter celebrates Bion J. Arnold's professional identity as an engineer and his wartime contributions.

• Nathan Ascher

  References Nathan Ascher's role as a movie exhibitor and his professional output of building playhouses.

• Phil DeC. Ball

  Highlights Phil DeC. Ball's role as a baseball club owner, tying identity to profession.

• Jas. A. Ballard

  References the roles of sales manager and coal supplier in a professional transaction.

• F. L. Bateman

  The poem highlights Bateman's role as a freight company president, emphasizing professional identity.

• Richard Beamish

  The chapter highlights the demanding nature of editorial work, juxtaposed with labor activism for reduced hours.

• Ross J. Beatty

  The chapter celebrates Ross J. Beatty's professional identity as a steel manufacturer and his skill in his craft.

• H. H. Blum

  Highlights the profession of a women's wear dealer and the art of salesmanship.

• Ralph Bradley

  Ralph Bradley's role as General Counsel and his use of a boss-provided pass highlight professional life and its perks.

• F. A. Brewer

  F. A. Brewer is identified as an investment banker, linking his profession to the playful anecdote.

• Col. Benj. G. Brinkman

  Highlights Brinkman's roles as a banker and chairman of the St. Louis Cardinals board.

• A. F. Brockman

  The poem celebrates Brockman's professional dedication and ethical approach to business.

• John E. Bruce

  Focuses on John E. Bruce's identity as a lawyer and his professional success.

• Col. Geo. T. Buckingham

  The chapter highlights Buckingham's professional identity as a lawyer and his specialized legal knowledge.

• Eugene Byfield

  The poem contrasts the rough sport of polo with the demanding job of managing a hotel.

• Geo. B. Caldwell

  Highlights the professional role of Geo. B. Caldwell as a company president, juxtaposed with his personal obsession.

• Edward B. Carson

  Highlights Edward B. Carson's role as a petroleum company president and the high-stakes nature of his business.

• Philip R. Clarke

  Philip R. Clarke is identified by his professional role as president of a securities corporation.

• Frank R. Coates

  Frank R. Coates is recognized for his professional role as a utility company president, highlighting the impact of his work on daily life.

• Charles A. Comiskey

  The limerick highlights Charles A. Comiskey's professional role as president of the White Sox, emphasizing his good heart and character in his work.

• J. T. Connery

  J. T. Connery's dual role as a coal man and hotel president highlights his professional endeavors.

• David Copland

  David Copland is identified by his corporate title, grounding the humor in his professional identity.

• F. A. Cotharin

  Highlights the insurance salesman's profession and the transactional relationship with a customer.

• Thos. Cusack

  The chapter highlights the profession of sign painting and its impact on the city's appearance.

• Charles H. Dean

  The chapter highlights Charles H. Dean's profession as a sporting goods manufacturer and his integral role in the athletic world.

• P. L. Deutsch

  P. L. Deutsch is identified by his professional role as assistant secretary at a company.

• John B. De Voney

  The chapter humorously depicts the real estate profession and the art of persuasion through storytelling.

• J. W Douglass

  The limerick humorously contrasts the stock broker's professional duties with his personal desire to fish.

• George B. Dryden

  The chapter celebrates Dryden's professional success as president of a rubber company.

• Harry W. Dubiske

  The chapter focuses on Harry W. Dubiske's profession as an investment banker and teacher of salesmanship.

• Robert J. Dunham

  Highlights the professional roles of Robert J. Dunham as a corporate executive and the implied work of newspaper critics.

• J. C. Dunn

  J. C. Dunn is identified as a railroad contractor and president of the Cleveland Indians, highlighting his professional roles.

• Clarence A. Earl

  Clarence A. Earl is depicted as a hardworking automobile manufacturer whose efforts have paid off.

• Col. Chas. H. Ebbets

  Highlights Ebbets' professional role and his imagined relentless dedication to baseball.

• Wm. G. Edens

  Wm. G. Edens is identified as a banker and association president, highlighting his professional role in road improvement.

• Howard Elting

  The poem references Howard Elting's role as a paint manufacturer in Chicago.

• Victor Elting

  Victor Elting is identified as a lawyer, grounding the whimsical poem in a professional identity.

• Uriah S. Epperson

  Uriah S. Epperson is defined by his role as president of a land and investment company, with his professional identity central to the chapter.

• Samuel A. Ettelson

  Highlights Ettelson's professional role as Corporation Counsel and his reputation as a legal adviser.

• Chas. (Chick) Evans

  The chapter touches on the professional identity of Chick Evans as a golfer and writer, and the narrator's own implied skill in the sport.

• John Fletcher

  The poem challenges the assumption that banking is an easy job, highlighting the hidden burdens of professional life.

• Herman Friestedt

  Herman Friestedt is recognized for his professional work as a contractor building military cantonments.

• Harry R. Gibbons

  Gibbons is identified by his role as County Treasurer, emphasizing his professional identity and political work.

• William A. (Kid) Gleason

  The poem centers on Gleason's professional role as a baseball manager and the value placed on his expertise.

• George Golde

  Focuses on George Golde's occupation as a merchant and his interactions with salesmen.

• Lelan O. Green

  Highlights the unusual combination of dentistry and musicianship.

• Bennett Griffin

  Bennett Griffin's profession as an insurance man is central to the chapter.

• George F. Harding

  The chapter underscores the burdens and challenges of a public office, specifically the comptroller's role in managing city finances and labor demands.

• John P. Harding

  The chapter highlights the demanding life of a hotel operator, yet shows how one can still find leisure.

• C. M. Harpster

  Highlights the professional skill and reputation of a surgeon.

• Wells W. Hawtin

  The chapter highlights Wells W. Hawtin's role as a business president and his professional advocacy for mail advertising.

• Dan Hayes, Jr.

  Dan Hayes, Jr. is identified by his occupations: real estate and breeder of harness race horses.

• Wm. J. Healy

  Highlights the professional identity of Wm. J. Healy as a Sanitary District trustee and his dedication to his work.

• Charles Herendeen

  Charles Herendeen is identified as a flour manufacturer, linking his identity to his profession.

• Peter M. Hoffman

  Peter M. Hoffman's role as coroner is central to the limerick's dark humor.

• Woodward Holmes

  The chapter highlights the tailor's craft and professional service.

• Thomas D. Huff

  Highlights the professional life of a lawyer, Thomas D. Huff, and the playful interaction with his clients.

• G. J. L. Janes

  The chapter highlights Janes's dual professional roles as general manager of a store and boss of a golf club.

• Ban B. Johnson

  Highlights Ban B. Johnson's profession as a baseball magnate and his leadership in the sport.

• Walter Clyde Jones

  The limerick focuses on Jonesey's occupation as a patent lawyer and the peculiar challenges of his work.

• S. R. Kaufman

  The poem highlights the professional pride of a hotel president in hosting famous guests.

• John H. Kirby

  Kirby's identity as a capitalist and his profession in lumber investments are central to the verse.

• Charles Kratsch

  Focuses on Charles Kratsch's role as an ignition expert, highlighting his specialized skill in diagnosing car troubles.

• Sigmund Lawton

  Sigmund Lawton is identified as a broker, linking his identity to his profession.

• James Levy

  James Levy's career shift from bicycle racer to dealer of automobiles and airplanes reflects professional evolution tied to technological change.

• Adolph Linick

  Linick's profession as a theater owner is central to the poem.

• C. L. Maguire

  Maguire's arduous toil of vending oil is contrasted with his leisure activity.

• Jno. W. Maguire

  Highlights Maguire's role as a vice president and general manager in the rubber industry.

• F. J. Manton

  F. J. Manton is identified as a merchant, but his professional focus is humorously overshadowed by his sports mania.

• Clayton Mark

  The chapter highlights Clayton Mark's identity as a steel manufacturer and his dedication to his work, even at odd hours.

• Oscar F. Mayer

  Highlights Oscar F. Mayer's identity as a packer and his practical approach to his work.

• M. DeWitt McAlpine

  McAlpine is identified by his professional role as Vice-President of Bradner Smith & Co., tying his identity to his career.

• Chas. A. McCulloch

  The poem celebrates a manager's positive influence on workplace morale.

• Jas. C. McGill

  Highlights Jas. C. McGill's role as a baseball team president, linking his professional identity to family legacy and team performance.

• C. R. McKay

  McKay's role at the Federal Reserve is presented as a prestigious but confining job, set against the desire for a more relaxed, non-professional existence.

• John J. Meagher

  John J. Meagher is identified as a stock broker, highlighting his professional identity.

• Joseph Michaels

  Joseph Michaels is identified as an iron merchant, linking his professional identity to his leisure activity.

• Amos C. Miller

  The chapter highlights Amos C. Miller's career as a lawyer and his professional success.

• Eugene C. Miller

  Eugene C. Miller's business in photo engraving is mentioned, contrasting with his personal desire for escape.

• Jacob Miller

  The chapter highlights Jacob Miller's professional skill as a chef, emphasizing the admiration and loss felt by those who enjoyed his cooking.

• Arthur J. Mitchell

  The poem highlights Mitchell's professional reliability in investments.

• John J. Mitchell

  The limerick celebrates the professional growth and success of a banker and his bank.

• Harry Moir

  Harry Moir is identified as the proprietor of the Morrison Hotel, highlighting his professional role.

• S. E. Moist

  S. E. Moist is identified as part of the Union Piano Co., highlighting his professional identity.

• W. R. Moorhouse

  W. R. Moorhouse is identified by his profession as an insurance man in Chicago, grounding the humor in his occupational identity.

• Frank J. Navin

  Frank J. Navin's role as president of the Detroit Baseball Club is central, highlighting his professional identity and hopes for the team.

• W. G. Nicholson

  Highlights the profession of banking and the lengths taken to protect financial institutions.

• Col. L. M. Nicolson

  The limerick highlights Col. Nicolson's role as an assistant to the president and his professional skill of 'lassoing the jack.'

• Arthur A. Patterson

  The chapter highlights Arthur A. Patterson's business role in supplying academic regalia.

• Ferdinand W. Peck

  Ferdinand W. Peck is identified as a capitalist, highlighting his professional role in Chicago's economic history.

• Lt. Col. N. M. Percy

  The limerick highlights the surgeon's professional skill and the gratitude of a patient, emphasizing the value of dedicated work in medicine.

• C. S. Peterson

  Focuses on C. S. Peterson's role as president of a linotyping company and his professional quirks.

• Charles Piez

  Charles Piez's role as a business leader and shipbuilder during wartime.

• Conrad H. Poppenhusen

  Highlights the professional skill and versatility of a lawyer who adapts his language to different settings.

• Guy Bates Post

  Focuses on the craft of acting and the distinction between skilled and unskilled performers.

• Hanson F. Randle

  Hanson F. Randle is identified by his corporate title, Vice-President of Railways Ice Co., Chicago.

• George W. Reed

  Highlights the disparity between the leisurely work of coal executives and the stressful financial burden on families.

• Frank H. Reilly

  Frank Reilly is identified by his profession as a real estate man.

• Harry J. Ridings

  Highlights the professional role of Harry J. Ridings as Western Manager and the impact of his potential retirement on the theatrical business.

• J. J. Rosenthal

  J. J. Rosenthal is identified by his role as manager of the Woods Theatre, highlighting his professional identity.

• Joseph A. Rushton

  Joseph A. Rushton is identified as a stock broker, contrasting his professional life with his leisure activity of fishing.

• Peter J. Schaefer

  The poem highlights Peter J. Schaefer's profession as a theatre owner and his distinctive business approach.

• Capt. Orlando F. Scott

  The poem highlights the professional role of Capt. Orlando F. Scott as a surgeon, emphasizing his skill in replacing lost body parts.

• Benjamin Serlis

  Benjamin Serlis is identified with his role in investments, highlighting his professional identity.

• Walden W. Shaw

  The poem celebrates Walden W. Shaw's professional identity as president of Yellow Cab Co. and his personal pursuits.

• George W. Sheehan

  Highlights Sheehan's role as president of a sugar company and the ironic burden of his job.

• James Simpson

  The chapter highlights James Simpson's role as a Vice President and his professional reliability.

• Elliott G. Stevenson

  The chapter highlights the professional identity of Elliott G. Stevenson as a lawyer, and references the inventor of the flivver, emphasizing the intersection of law and industry.

• Col. R. W. Stewart

  The poem celebrates Col. Stewart's professional rise in the oil industry, linking his academic efforts to his career success.

• C. Pruyn Stringfield

  The chapter centers on C. Pruyn Stringfield's identity as a physician, highlighting his professional reach and the demands of his practice.

• J. M. Sullivan

  The chapter focuses on J. M. Sullivan's professional identity and his dedication to the paper bag business.

• Edward J. Tobin

  The poem satirizes the idea of hard work in a vegetable garden as a means of developing 'human machines'.

• Fred W. Upham

  Upham's role as party treasurer is central, highlighting the professional and ethical compromises in political work.

• Egbert Van Alstyne

  Egbert Van Alstyne's career as a songwriter is celebrated, emphasizing his creative output and professional success.

• Henry Veeder

  Highlights the professional identity and skill of Henry Veeder as a lawyer, emphasizing the craft of legal writing and its impact on adversaries.

• John Z. Vogelslang

  John Z. Vogelslang's identity as a restaurateur and his entrepreneurial decision to open a hotel reflect themes of profession and business.

• Wm. F. Von Sennet

  The subject is identified by his professional role as a department manager at Illinois Steel Co.

• Charles H. Wacker

  Highlights Charles H. Wacker's professional role as the driving force behind the Chicago Plan.

• John Wagner

  The poem examines the financial viability of John Wagner's profession as a boxing promoter.

• William M. Walker

  The poem centers on William M. Walker's occupation as a wholesale fish dealer.

• Thos. J. Wall

  The poem highlights Thos. J. Wall's professional role as General Agent of the C.P.R., and the speaker's willingness to accompany him on business or leisure trips.

• Harry B. Wallace

  Harry B. Wallace's job as a diamond importer is mentioned, but his true happiness lies outside of work.

• Augustus J. Wampler

  Augustus J. Wampler is defined by his role as a department manager and his professional skill in securing contracts.

• G. M. Weeks

  G. M. Weeks is identified as a capitalist, highlighting his professional identity and the associated lifestyle.

• John N. Weinand

  The chapter celebrates John N. Weinand's professional integrity and steady approach to his work in the grain trade.

• Albert G. Welsh

  Highlights the professional role of Albert G. Welsh as a lawyer and press committee chairman.

• Guilford S. Wood

  The chapter focuses on Guilford S. Wood's occupation as a seller of railway supplies.

• F. M. Zeiler

  The chapter centers on a stock broker and his professional behavior.

• The Deterioration of Man

  References to men winning wealth and climbing to fame highlight themes of professional success and ambition.

• Apology

  The narrator contrasts his playful activities with his neglected work, highlighting a tension between duty and distraction.

• An Autobiography

  The narrator outlines his career path in journalism, moving from city to city and working for various newspapers, highlighting the professional journey.

• To Producers, Authors, Actors, etc.

  The poem examines the profession of acting and play production, critiquing the business dynamics of show business.

• List of Illustrations

  Many illustrations depict various professions, including politicians, baseball players, fishermen, hunters, and salesmen.