Musical Mr. Subbubs
News (Adelaide) Fri 13 Mar 1925
When I first observed this 100 year old cartoon I thought it was an early version of Homer Simpson. A man of the burbs (of course) was Mr. Subbubs, who loved his music and sports. I do see some of myself in him – even his introductory cartoon which came with the title ‘A man with a grievance’, resonates. Just ask my wife. I’ve gotta let them go!
However there is no evidence of a John Subbubs competing in the National Boomerang Mouth Organ championships of 1925.
The musical competitions were fine, but Mr.Subbubs had a problem with street drains
Mr. Subbubs How To Draw Book
Mr. Subbubs was extremely popular with the punters and even with the little kiddies of the day, who penned thousands of letters each week to him. So popular was he, that a children’s book on how to draw Mr. Subbubs was available for purchase. By starting with just a circle and then applying a few strokes of the pencil of his distinctive features; three hairs (Homer had four), round glasses, and a straggling moustache. And Voila! Your very own Mr. Subbubs!
C J Dennis
Hal Gye the caricaturist is perhaps best known for his illustrations of C J Dennis books; The Songs of a Sentimental Bloke, The Moods of Ginger Mick and The Glugs Of Gosh.
Mr. Subbubs Musical Pain Relief
In Adelaide’s The News, published on 24 July 1923, Gye introduced Mr. Subbubs and from then on he would be a regular feature until June 1926. Hal would render the news of the time and place Subbubs right fair and square in the action as the following account verifies.
A Sporty Mr.Subbubs
Loved his Australian Rules Football Too!
Jack’s Chewy
From the Mr. Subbubs doping cartoon. J. Moriarty champion Fitzroy (Victoria) footballer, reports. that he was given a piece of chewing gum prior to the match with Carlton on June 8. At the end of the first quarter he felt dead and could not play. It is believed that he was doped in this manner.- New’s item.
In another newspaper report Jack stated, “Just before the match started a stranger gave me a piece of chewing gum,” said Jack Moriarty, the Fitzroy goal kicker. “I was not injured in any way, but at the end of the first quarter I felt dead. I went right out to it, and could not play.” The match referred to was the Fitzroy-Carlton match on June 8, when Moriarty went to pieces. The following Saturday Moriarty was unable to play against Melbourne. “The only permanent effect that it had on me has been to shorten my wind. It will make me a lot more careful in future,” Moriarty remarked ruefully.
Mr.Subbubs Sermon
Hopefully the sermon placed Mr. Subbubs in a good light. Lord have mercy.
Harold Frederick Neville Gye (22 May 1887 — 25 November 1967) – State Library of New South Wales
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Harmonica Riff Raff 
Love it when the simplicity of a cartoon strip or character can have a link to news of the day. They can get away with pushing the boundaries. And the stories here are still relevant today. Stick of chewing gum back then, foods or medications with hidden/unknown banned substances inherent now. I like a trooper too. Mr. Subbubs has massive confidence in his own abilities and chasing down opportunities. I’ve watched people like that from the sidelines. They actually get the job or success with next to no abilities to actually suit the role.
Great read Shep. Cheers once again for a belter of a blog write up.
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Cheers Gray. As a kid I loved to draw and especially caricatures. I enjoyed collecting Fitzroy team caricature cards and the stick of pink chewing gum inside the packet. S
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I never heard of those Shep. My childhood was Bazooka chewing gum. Bazooka Joe with the cartoons in the wrapper. Wish I could taste it now. It was pink as well. Not a stick, but a block of ‘chuddy’. Cheers Shep.
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