Quicksands of Human Strife

Editorial Cartoon by Merrill Coffin (1950s)
This mid-century editorial cartoon by Merrill Coffin, likely created for the Jamestown Post-Journal, reflects his sharp social insight and compassion for community causes. The piece depicts a large hand symbolizing the unification of the Community Chest and the Red Cross, reaching down to lift three struggling figures from the “quicksands of human strife.”

Coffin’s illustration captures a pivotal local moment when two major charitable organizations joined forces, emphasizing unity, cooperation, and the power of collective goodwill to uplift those in need.