Laughter, the Best Medicine

THE BEST MEDICINE

1940s The nurse beckoned to one of a group of expectant fathers at the hospital and announced, “You have a fine son.”

Another man immediately rushed up and complained, “What’s the idea? I was here before he was!” SOUTHERN TELEPHONE NEWS, RD NOVEMBER 1947 A housewife was looking over the new maid’s references. “Do you think you will settle down here?” she asked. “You seem to have left a good many places.”

The girl smiled confidently. “Yes ma’am,” she replied. “But I didn’t leave any of them voluntarily.” TIT-BITS, RD APRIL 1948

It had been a terrible season for the local football team, and a friend was trying to cheer up the coach. “At least you’ve taught the boys good sportsmanship,” he comforted. “They’re certainly good losers.”

“Good!” growled the coach. “Why, they’re perfect!” WOODMEN OF THE WORLD MAGAZINE, RD FEBRUARY 1949 “For the last time,” a husband shouted towards the bedroom, “are you ready to go?”

“For heaven’s sake, be quiet,” retorted his wife. “I’ve been telling you for the last hour that I’ll be ready in a minute.” THE FURROW, RD FEBRUARY 1949 1950s A man met a friend he hadn’t seen for a long time. “Why George,” he said, “you’ve changed! What’s making you look so old?”

“Trying to keep young,” said George.

“Trying to keep young?” queried the man.

“Yes,” was the gloomy response, “nine of them.” THE WATCHMAN EXAMINER, RD MARCH 1953 Sandy and Mac were having dinner together when, to Mac’s disgust, Sandy calmly helped himself to the larger fish on the platter.

“Fine manners you’ve got, Sandy,” Mac admonished. “If I’d been in your