Oswald Ragan "Oz" Black was born on October 29, 1898, in Neoga, Illinois, and studied at the University of Nebraska School of Fine Arts. In 1924 he won first prize in the national competition for newspaper cartoonists sponsored by the National League of Women Voters. Black was the cartoonist for the Lincoln Star from 1921 to 1927 and for the Lincoln Nebraska State Journal from 1930 to 1940.
Black was known for his caricatures of Nebraska politicians, and for cartoons of human-interest stories and current events, usually from the Lincoln area, but anything that touched his sense of humor or caught his satirical eye was fair game for the drawing board. He gave equal space to major events and minor oddities, to both famous and average Nebraskans.
This original drawing for Oz Black's popular "Here in Lincoln" series was printed in the Sunday Journal and Star editorial and features section on May 6, 1934. The drawings now provide researchers with a unique weekly glimpse of life in Lincoln from 1921 to1940. (Clickable image map follows)
Popular characters often reappeared in his work. "Jupiter Pluvius," who in this drawing can't wring out enough water to ruin a picnic, represents rainfall.
"Dang It! Look at all those picnics goin' on down there and me not able to squeeze mor'n a drop or two outa' these clouds."
"Petunia! Petunia! The lovliest flower that grows, It blossoms all the summer, And is sweet as any rose. It loves the sunshine and the shower, And loves your tender care. Petunias! Petunias! Oh! Plant them everywhere."The petunia certainly does inspire the spring poets. This is from N. W. Keefer, Lincoln.
The character building agencies of Lincoln have necessarily given way to the urgent demands for relief these past few years. The annual Y. M. C. A. membership campaign this week offers the friends of this worthwhile institution a chance to give it direct support.
"Count me in - I believe in this work for boys and young men."
Traffic Lessons
When two vehicles reach an intersection at about the same time, the one coming from the RIGHT has the right of way. When one vehicle approaches an intersection and there are other vehicles in or turning to the left in the intersection, Those IN or TURNING have the right of way.
"Wait! Ambrose! He's got the right of way - He's on your right."
(movie name on marquee) "VICE AND VICE VERSA"
Adults Only
Frank!
Daring!If the present practice of reviewing questionable shows on Monday continues, the sensation hunters may make Monday the biggest day of the week.
If Dillinger should sneak into town it would be a simple trick to catch him as he passes that compressed air chisel on O Street.
"BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG"
"The jig's up, pals. Come and get us officer."
Here is the new automatic traffic signal, about to be installed at each corner of all intersections along O Street, from Ninth to Seventeenth Streets.
TOWN PUZZLE No. 152What town in Nebraska is suggested by this cartoon?
Last week, Saint Paul
A popular feature was the weekly Town Puzzle, many of which were suggested by loyal readers. The answer to this week's puzzle, No. 152, is "Pierce."
Signs & Wonders
This poster appeared in a tailor shop on south twelfth. - Eddie Rosenthal.
"ELYSIA, Valley of the NUDE. Suits, O'Coats, Topcoats, Clean and Press."
"Grasshopper meetings to be held April 13"
Wessington Springs (S. D.) Republican. - C. W. Tunberg.Capsule Egg - Mrs. Arnold Baumann, Doniphan, Neb.
Egg with permanent wave. - Mrs. O. I. Field
"WANTED - About 25 year old White Leghorn hens"
Longmont (Colo.) Times. - Henry Pickett, Sterling.
Coathanger HunchesFrank Gartner made a fence around a flower bed out of coathangers. -George Mueller
H. J. W. puts the paper in this clip each day at the home of L. E. Mumford.
E. R. B. made a wooden hanger into brackets for a little shelf.
Dr. Irvia Munger makes this handy ping pong net holder.
Nebraska BeefNebraska markets 1,500,000 head of cattle annually which, if loaded onto one continuous train, would require 60,000 cars and would reach from Lincoln to a little beyond Crown Point, Ind.
Walt Shaver, fishing with Judge John L. Polk at Linoma Beach, used a crawdad and got a bite but the line snagged on a log and broke. They had their lunch and started casting. Walt caught the same fish a second time - his first hook was in its mouth.
More about the Havelock whistleA. J. Neitzel, living a mile north of Murdock, says they set the clock by the Havelock whistle allowing four minutes for the sound to get there, about 20 miles away.
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Traffic Lessons
Signs & Wonders
