Puck's Weirdly Awesome Summer Season Illustrations: A visual essay

#byLizPublika

"The Pursuit" (1910) by Carl Hassmann (1869 - 1933)

"The Pursuit" by Carl Hassmann (1869 - 1933)

Published by Keppler & Schwarzmann, Puck Building, New York. August 24, 1910.

Illustration shows a mermaid diving into the water at a beach and several men swimming after her.

"From Maine to Florida" (1911) by Gordon Ross (1873 - 1946)

"From Maine to Florida" by Gordon Ross (1873 - 1946)

Published by Keppler & Schwarzmann, Puck Building, New York. January 11, 1911.

Illustration shows a woman diving into the warm waters of Florida after shedding the furs and heavy clothing of winter. Also shows in the background girls flying like birds from cold climates to the tropical warmth of Florida.

"An Old Acquaintance" (1911) by Gordon, Ross (1873 - 1946)

"An Old Acquaintance" by Gordon Ross (1873 - 1946)

Published by Keppler & Schwarzmann, Puck Building, New York. January 25,1911.

Illustration shows two mermaids discussing the actions of a third mermaid, who appears to be flirting with a man on an ocean liner.

"The Maid of the Summer Surf" (1911) by Leon Victor Solon (1872 - 1957)

"The Maid of the Summer Surf" by Leon Victor Solon (1872 - 1957)

Published by Keppler & Schwarzmann, Puck Building, New York. June 7, 1911.

Illustration shows a woman wearing a swimsuit, standing on a large fish that is splashing through waves.

"A Warm Wave Coming" (1911) by Gordon, Ross (1873 - 1946)

"A Warm Wave Coming" by Gordon, Ross (1873 - 1946)

Published by Keppler & Schwarzmann, Puck Building, New York. August 16,1911.

Illustration shows a beautiful young woman riding an ocean wave approaching the beach; also shows a lobster and a fish.

"The Close of the Season" (1913) by Unknown Artist

"The Close of the Season" by Unknown Artist

Published by Keppler & Schwarzmann, Puck Building, New York. September 17, 1913.

Illustration shows a mermaid riding on the back of a sea serpent headed out to sea at the end of the summer season at a resort; she has turned to wave good bye to the resort staff on shore, who are in turn waving good bye to her.

Note* All images and descriptions are in the public domain, via Library of Congress.