Cartoon Archives | The Saturday Evening Post

Cartoons: Christmas Countdown

Cartoons of Christmas Past—from as far back as the ’40s—show that getting ready for December 25 is never easy.

A dog has pulled the Christmas lights from a tree outside his owner's house. The owner is out in the snow, beckoning the dog to give him the lights. — December 1951

A grumpy child in a suit stands impatiently as his mother tries to convince him to smile for the photographer, who is also impatient. — “… then they’ll say, ‘What a SWEET little boy, and what a DARLING Christmas card.'”
December 1948

A housekeeper, with a large candy cane, directs a Christmas tree delivery man to where she would him to place the large pine. The delivery man is struggling under the tree's weight. — “Rather like it over there.”
December 1961

A elevator operator announces that the cab has reached the toy department. The elevator itself is packed with apprehensive parents and their eager children. — “Sixth floor—toys, Santa Claus, pandemonium.”
December 1961

An disheveled news anchor struggles back into her seat as her co-host announces her upcoming segment on last-minute Christmas shopping. — “…And here’s our own Liz Rafferty, just back from the stores with a few last-minute shopping suggestions.”
December 1993

Cartoons: Holiday Shopping

Holiday shopping can be stressful, so we hope these cartoons help you keep your sense of humor!

A holiday shopper walks into her living room arms full of gifts, telling her husband that she is done shopping for herself. — “I solved the problem of what to get me.”
January/February 1999

A holiday shopper checks in with the Lost and Found counter hoping to find her missing husband. Behind the clerk is a crowd of confused men. — “Can you describe him?”
November/December 1998

A mother, overloaded with holiday gifts, shops for Christmas trees with her daughter, deciding on a bent pine that resembles the mother's posture. — “What do you mean you ‘can relate’ to this one?”
November/December 2003

Two men chat in a department store as they wait for their wives to complete their holiday shopping. — “My wife is shopping. I’m in wait-training.”
November/December 2003

A holiday shopper informs her husband that she spent a lot of their money on gifts. — “I disposed of our disposable income.”
November/December 1994

Two department store clerks look on as a wake of buzzards pick through clothes that have been knocked off a rack. — “Yeah, the Christmas stuff looks a little picked over.”
November/December 2003

Two archaeologists examine Egyptian hieroglyphics, stunned that they translate to a holiday shopping advertisement. — “I’m telling you, it says, ‘Only ten shopping days ‘til Christmas.’”
December 1982

Cartoons: Musical Interlude

A dog is howling as a child is playing the violin. A visitor remarks to the mother about the scene unfolding in front of them. — “The dog is coming along nicely.”
October 22, 1960

A musician has collapsed on the ground, trumpet and musical sheets strewn about him. The radio announcer speaks into the microphone, ending the segment. — “And that, ladies and gentlemen, was the Flight of the Bumblebee”
October 8, 1960

A pianist eats lunch at his grand piano, on stage, as a theatre attendant puts up an "intermission" sign. — November 21, 1942

A song-writer creates a song with notes inspired by birds on the electrical wires outside his window. — September/October 1994

A musician with a bass violin sits in a chair across a pair of ladies. One of the ladies turns to the other, discussing whether they should ask him to play something. — “Perhaps we can persuade him to play something.”
November 23, 1957

A father asks his perturbed, violinist son to play a song in front of a proud adult audience. — “Play something expensive.”
November 23, 1957

Cartoons: Happy Thanksgiving

Three pilgrims talking — “So whose dumb idea was it to wear our belts on our hats, anyway?”
November 1988

Two pilgrims talking to a — “I hope you don’t mind my asking, but how long are you people going to be here?”
November 1988

A family at Thanksgiving dinner — “Look, let’s put everything down and start all over again.”
November 3. 1951

Thanksgiving — “We were expecting cowboys!”
November/December 2008

Thanksgiving — “Next year, how about if we shoot the turkey?”
November 1988

Cartoons: It’s a Ruff Life

September/October 1996

"You've been drinking out of the toilet again, haven't you?" January/February 1998 — “You’ve been drinking out of the toilet again, haven’t you?”
January/February 1998

"Oh, well, if it wasn't for me, old 'Butter Ball' wouldn't get any exercise." from May/June 1996 — May/June 1996

"People kept tripping over him." from December 1982 — “People kept tripping over him.”
December 1982

from September/October 1996 — September/October 1996

"Hello, Rover's Retreat, formerly known as the Acme Obedience School." from July/August 1993 — “Hello, Rover’s Retreat, formerly known as the Acme Obedience School.”
July/August 1993

"Don't pet him! He's been naughty all day!" from November/December 1993 — “Don’t pet him! He’s been naughty all day!”
November/December 1993

Cartoons: Let’s Get Down to Business

“Mummy, they’re having so much trouble—couldn’t I say a word for the stock market?” from January 18, 1930 — “Mummy, they’re having so much trouble — couldn’t I say a word for the stock market?”
January 18, 1930

n the 1930s, the entire country was suffering from a great depression. Fortunately, they have pills for that now.” from September/October 2011 — “In the 1930s, the entire country was suffering from a great depression. Fortunately, they have pills for that now.”
September/October 2011

“Boy, did we have some excitement around here last month.” from October 6, 1945 — “Boy, did we have some excitement around here last month.”
October 6, 1945

Church Sign: “Today’s Sermon: ‘The Stock Market Giveth, The Stock Market Taketh Away.” from May/June 2006 — May/June 2006

“In today's economy, it's important to diversify! Put some of your money in your mattress, some in a cookie jar, bury some in the yard….” from July/August 2009 — “In today’s economy, it’s important to diversify! Put some of your money in your mattress, some in a cookie jar, bury some in the yard….”
July/August 2009

“I take it that business isn’t exactly booming.” from January/February 1993 — “I take it that business isn’t exactly booming.”
January/February 1993

“I finally put something aside for my retirement. I put aside my plans to retire.” from May/June 2009 — “I finally put something aside for my retirement — I put aside my plans to retire.”
May/June 2009

Cartoons: Campaign Comedy

"My father thinks you’re a bum." from Fall 1972 — “My father thinks you’re a bum.”
Fall 1972

"The Senator now has three minutes for his rebuttal." from November 1984 — “The Senator now has three minutes for his rebuttal.”
November 1984

"I'm running my campaign like bra—not too revealing, but I still want your support." from Sept/Oct 2012 — “I’m running my campaign like a bra—not too revealing, but I still want your support.”
Sep/Oct 2012

"I think I prefer the Republicans for clichés, but the Democrats for platitudes." from October 31, 1964 — “I think I prefer the Republicans for clichés, but the Democrats for platitudes.”
October 31, 1964

"I promise to stimulate the economy with another unlimited –spending election!" from Jan/Feb 2012 — Jan/Feb 2012

"He's reading his concession speech instead of his victory speech!" Oct. 1976 — “He’s reading his concession speech instead of his victory speech!”
October 1976

Cartoons: Ghoul’s Night Out

Witches' brooms rest on a brick wall as they occupy a parking space. Sign above the brooms reads "Witches Parking Only. Others Will Be Toad" — Sep/Oct 1995

Trick or treaters on the front porch of a house with strewn candy and Holloween candy pails on the floor in front of the door — “Bobby … something tells me we should skip this house.” Sep/Oct 1993

A vampire sits in a barber's chair while the stylist holds a mirror behind him. The vampire's reflection is not shown. — “Let’s have a look-see at the back and—hey—what the… Now, isn’t that the darndest thing!” Oct 1988

Upset witch talks to her sisters at a brewing pot. — “Salem was socked in, so I had to land in Pawtucket.” Oct 1980

Dissapointed trick or treatings look into their candy bags. — “Hey! This isn’t candy! It’s leftovers.” Oct 1988

A trick or treater looks eagerly into her bag while her parents look at eachother. — “I got candy bars, chewing gum, two kittens…” Oct 1988

Cartoons: Football Fails

A football player rushes towards a very distant goal line as members of the opposing team chase him. — September/October 1995

A Green Bay Packers fan looks in a mirror as he tries out a new cheesehead hat. The salesman stands next to him. — “Do you have the same thing in Parmesan?”
January/February 2006

“He’s going to feel that tomorrow.” September/October 1995 — “He’s going to feel that tomorrow.”
September/October 1995

Man talking to his friend at a bar counter — “My wife thinks that I put football before marriage, even though we just celebrated our third season together.”
July/August 1999

Man watching football on television while his wife comlains about him to her friend. — “Football is a game where 22 big, strong men run around for two hours while millions who really need the exercise sit and watch.”
November/December 1998

Football team listens to their coach berate them in the locker room, while one of the players has his ear against the wall, listening in on the opposing team's coach on the other side. — “Boy, you should hear their coach!”
November 25, 1950

“Relax—the game is over!” October 5, 1957 — “Relax—the game is over!”
October 5, 1957

Cartoons: Murphy’s Law

Tight rope performer looks on in alarm as an eagle lands on his balancing pole. — Summer 1971

Man paints the title of his boat, "Common Sense", upside-down. — May/June 2008

Car driver on a narrow mountain road goes the wrong way. — May 13, 1961

Injured man speaks to his wife as she sits next to his hospital bed. — “Then, without warning, my motor died—and he heard what I was calling him.”
1947

Wrecking ball crew breaks open an occupied building as the tennants look at them in horror. The crew's team leader looks at his chart, realizing that they are at the wrong address. — “Let’s have another peek at that address.”
1957

A mother reacts when her son told her that he sold her baby to a bus passenger. The bus is speeding away in the background. — “Oh, I just rented Judy to a lady who wanted to get a seat on the bus.”
December 25, 1943

Cartoons: Fall Tomfoolery

You’ll really fall for these cartoons that celebrate the first crisp days of autumn.

Witches' brooms rest on a brick wall as they occupy a parking space. Sign above the brooms reads "Witches Parking Only. Others Will Be Toad" — Sep/Oct 1995

Impatient boy rakes leaves while his father looks on. — “When trees lose their leaves, why can’t they really lose them?”
Nov/Dec 2001

Football players discuss a play amongst themselves while their headless teammate walks towards them. — “He’s going to feel that tomorrow.”
Sep/Oct 1995

Boy with braces points approvingly at a Jack-O'Lantern to his father. The pumpkin is also wearing braces. — “I like this one.”
Sep/Oct 2002

A man adjusts the volume on his television remote while watching a football game. His wife and her friend converse in the background. — “Football is a game where 22 big, strong men run around for two hours while millions who really need the exercise sit and watch.”
Nov/Dec 1998

Man blows leaves over the fence onto his neighbor's head. — Sep/Oct 2002

Witch sits on a mall Santa's leg, warning him. — “It’s only October, buster. You’re butting in on my territory.”
Nov/Dec 1994

Cartoons: The Funny Thing About Marriage…

In the wise words of Ben Franklin, “Keep your eyes wide open before marriage, half shut afterwards.”

"Breakfast is more enjoyable since we agreed not to wear glasses at the table." from Mar/Apr 1999 — “Breakfast is more enjoyable since we agreed not to wear glasses at the table.”
Mar/Apr 1999

"Let’s make a deal–if you don’t join the cigar trend, I won’t join the thong-bikini trend!" from Jul/Aug 1998 — “Let’s make a deal—if you don’t join the cigar trend, I won’t join the thong-bikini trend!”
Jul/Aug 1998

"It's wearing me out: dirty clothes, fussy eating, constant whining…and then with our first baby on the way…" from Mar/Apr 2003 — “It’s wearing me out: dirty clothes, fussy eating, constant whining…and then with our first baby on the way…”
Mar/Apr 2003

"Listen to this--The anonymous winner of Saturday's jackpot has not told her husband…" from Jan/Feb 2007 — “Listen to this—The anonymous winner of Saturday’s jackpot has not told her husband…”
Jan/Feb 2007

"I'd go home to Mother, but I don't know where the RV jamboree is being held this week." from Jan/Feb 1998 — “I’d go home to Mother, but I don’t know where the RV jamboree is being held this week.”
Jan/Feb 1998

"How could you, Ermela, after I've given you the best halftimes of my life?" from Jan/Feb 202 — “How could you, Ermela, after I’ve given you the best halftimes of my life?”
Jan/Feb 2002

"Give me the bad news, Doc. Am I going to live?" from May/June 2000 — “Give me the bad news, Doc. Am I going to live?”
May/Jun 2000

Cartoons: Back to School

It’s back-to-school time, and we’ll all need a sense of humor to get through it!

from Jul/Aug 2003 — “Teachers don’t appreciate zingers …”

Mar/Apr 2007 I figured if I have to be here every day, I might as well make a little money — “I figured if I have to be here every day, I’d might as well make a little money.”

from July/Aug 2003 –I suffer from test-taking anxiety, brought on by lack of studying. — “I suffer from test-taking anxiety, brought on by lack of studying.”

from Jan/Feb 2006 – “You said we learn from our mistakes, so I must be learning a lot.” — “You said we learn from our mistakes, so I must be learning a lot.”

from Jul/Aug 1998 — “Excuse me, but at what point during my career as a supermodel will I have need for English?”

Too much TV — “My parents think I watch too much TV, so I’m not allowed to watch unless my homework is done by 8:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. Central.”

3School Toonsfrom Jul/Aug 2003 — “They call it the ‘Three R’s,’ and then say we can’t spell!”

Sept/Oct 1998 — “Does your mother always sign your report cards, ‘My Mom’?”

Sept/Oct. 2006 — “I sure hope I grow up to be beautiful—’cause if I can’t get by on my looks, I’m doomed.”

Cartoons: The Animal World

You’ll love our amusing animals!

“Just between you and me, the comb-over isn’t working.”
May/June 2012

“They don’t talk much, but they sure can chew!”
May/June 1994

“Louise, maybe you’re overdoing the ‘forest’ scented air freshener.”
March/April 2006

“I haven’t slept a wink since my husband developed restless leg syndrome.”
July/August 2010

“I worry constantly about identity theft.”
September/October 2005

“They’re so darn cute at that age.”
July/August 1993

November/December 2004

Cartoons: Fishing Fun

They say that laughter and fishing are both cheaper than therapy, so we decided to combine the two!

January/February 1994

April 8, 1961

“You catch me, you throw me back.
You catch me, you throw me back.
Dude, get a life!”
September/October 2005

“…Hmmm—quite a few fishermen.
Now raise your hand if you’re a golfer.”
July/August 1998

“The doctor put you on a fishing diet?
Are you sure he didn’t say fish diet?”
September/October 1999

“Darn, another boot!”
March/April 2004

Cartoons: The Things Grown-ups Say!

Remember being a kid and wondering if an adult was serious or just yanking your chain? These cartoonists know the answer!

“Behave yourself or I’ll tell your mother you have talent.”
November/December 2011

“It was delicious.”
November 19, 1960

“A Frank Sinatra cassette and a little too much wine. That’s where babies come from!”
January/February 1996

“While many disagree as to when life really begins, most feel it’s after work.”
January/February 2009

“If we can’t find a man, we give him two small boys.”
April 15, 1961

“Zip up your jacket and put on your hat…your mother’s cold.”
January/February 1999