Harper's Weekly on August 8, 1868 published an illustrated story about John Allen, reputedly the "wickedest man" in New York. Allen operated a so-called dancing saloon much patronized by sailors and prostitutes. The story argued that, while evil enough, Allen did not deserve the title, that his place was no worse than many others. It also focused upon Allen's son, Chester. One illustration showed the two together.

Another showed Chester reciting his catechism while his father listened.

In both the incongruity of the loving parent and the saloon is emphasized, especially in the second as a knot of prostitutes form a kind of audience for Chester's recitation.

A month or so later, Harper's put the follow-up story, the conversion of Allen's dance-saloon into a meeting house, on its front page. The text of the story is here.