Oh what pun! — Literary puns

“When is a literary work like smoke? — When it comes out in volumes.” — The Commercial Advertiser of Sandy Hill, Sept. 29, 1880

Here’s another literary pun.

“Outward bound. — Books.” — The Commercial Advertiser, Oct.20,1889

Here is a pun that even an elephant might wish to forget.

“The elephant is afraid of baggage snatchers. He never checks his trunks.” — The Commercial Advertiser, Oct. 20, 1880

Here’s a pun to tell at the next card party.

“King of spades — the sexton,” — The Commercial Advertiser, Nov. 3, 1880.

Here is a pun to tell when you are burning the midnight oil, and you need laughter to keep you awake.

“A nightgown is nothing more than a nap sack.” — The Commercial Advertiser, Nov.10,1880.

Here are more puns collected from historic newspaper of the region:

• “Society is the hardest baked on its upper crust.” — The Commercial Advertiser, Sept. 8, 1880
• “A North Carolina convict escaped from prison in a coffin. It was a clever piece of undertaking.” — The Commercial Advertiser, May 11, 1881

“It has been ascertained that the reason for placing lumber yards next to railroad depots is to enable travelers to get aboard easily.” — The Commercial Advertiser, June29, 1881

“The man who was stage-struck had the driver arrested.” — The Commercial Advertiser, July 20, 1881

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