Uncle Sam Illustrations

Puck and Judge, 1880-1900

 

Doug Boilesen, 2023

The numerous illustrations of Uncle Sam from 1880 -1900 on the pages of Puck and Judge are evidence that Uncle Sam was becoming the primary symbol of the United States of America.

The subtext of those covers and illustrations was also clear:

Brother Jonathan's roles were being absorbed into the persona and single symbol of Uncle Sam.

Uncle Sam was the now the foil for John Bull in popular culture.

The following are some of those examples of Uncle Sam as seen in popular culture in the last two decades of the nineteenth century.

 

Uncle Sam, Puck, February 1882

Uncle Sam participating in satirical International Emigrant Exchange Proposal, "A FAIR EXCHANGE," Puck, February 1882. Disclaimer

 

Uncle Sam, Puck, November 1886

Uncle Sam - "OBSTRUCTING THE PUBLIC HIGHWAY," PUCK, November 1886

 

Uncle Sam and John Bull, Puck, February 1887

Uncle Sam and John Bull - "BRITISH ARROGANCE", PUCK, February 1887

 

Uncle Sam and John Bull, Puck, August 1887

Uncle Sam and John Bull - "AN EYE-OPENER", PUCK, August 1887

 

Uncle Sam and President Cleveland, Puck, April 1888

"DOCTOR CLEVELAND'S PATIENTS'," Puck, April 1888

 

Uncle Sam and John Bull, Judge, September 29, 1888

Uncle Sam delivering American Surplus to John Bull, by Victor Gillam, Judge, September 29, 1888

 

Uncle Sam and John Bull, Puck, November 1888

"PUCK'S PRESIDENTIAL PUZZLE-PICTURE FOR 1888," Puck, November 1888

 

"Cleveland, The English Clothier," Judge, 1888 by Gillam. Uncle Sam -- "This style may do for John Bull, but it doesn't suit me."

 

Uncle Sam, Bismarck, and John Bull, Puck, February 6, 1889

Uncle Sam, Bismarck and John Bull - "MORE BLUSTER THAN BLOOD." PUCK, February 6, 1889

 

Uncle Sam and John Bull, Puck, July 24, 1889

Uncle Sam and John Bull - "JOHN BULL AFTER US AGAIN." PUCK, July 24, 1889

 

Uncle Sam, Puck, January 15, 1890

Uncle Sam - "A USELESS BARRICADE." PUCK, January 15, 1890

 

Uncle Sam, Puck, October 1, 1890

"AS IT OUGHT TO BE -- UNDER ONE FLAG", PUCK, October 1, 1890 (centerfold)

 

Uncle Sam and John Bull, Judge, August, 1892

Uncle Sam - "HIT IT HARD, UNCLE SAM!" Judge, August 1892

 

Uncle Sam and John Bull , Judge, 1892

Uncle Sam to John Bull - "It's time for you to back down as usual, Johnny." Judge, 1892

 

 

Uncle Sam, Judge, October 1893

Uncle Sam - "QUARANTINED." Judge, October 1, 1893

 

Uncle Sam, Puck, August 21, 1895

"UNCLE SAM'S SUMMER GIRL FOR '95." Puck, August 21, 1895

 

Uncle Sam and John Bull, Puck, September 4, 1895

"THAT COVETED CUP." Uncle Sam and John Bull, Puck, September 4, 1895

 

Uncle Sam and Budweiser, Judge, May, 1896

Uncle Sam - Getting Strength for the Coming Presidential Campaign with Anheuser-Busch, Judge, May 1896

 

Uncle Sam and John Bull, Judge, June 5, 1897

Uncle Sam and John Bull in International Arbitration, "QUITE RIGHT." Judge, June 5, 1897

 

Uncle Sam, Judge, July 1897

"UNCLE SAM'S FOURTH OF JULY PROTEST AGAINST DELAY." Judge, July, 1897

 

Uncle Sam and John Bull, Judge, September 25, 1897

"TURN-ABOUT IS FAIR PLAY," Uncle Sam sitting on top of American goods talking to John Bull, Judge, September 25, 1897.

 

Uncle Sam and John Bull, Puck, August 23, 1899

Uncle Sam "PUTTING HIS FOOT DOWN." Puck, August 23, 1899, Color lithograph by J.S. Pughe (Courtesy Library of Congress)

 

 

 

 

Phonographia