September 21st, 2014

Irma

by Brian Walker, Greg Walker and Chance Browne

When Thirsty Thurston, the Flagstons next-door-neighbor, was first introduced in 1961, his spouse was not identified.  Thirsty served mainly as a golfing buddy for Hi.

In this strip from 1962, Lois refers to “Carrie,” who is not shown, while Thirsty is feeding their newborn baby.  The Thurston’s child and Carrie were never mentioned again.

Hi and Lois daily strip, November 16, 1962

Thirsty’s long-suffering spouse, Irma, made her debut in this episode from 1963.

Hi and Lois daily strip, July 12, 1963.

Two weeks later, the next-door neighbors appeared together for the first time.

Hi and Lois daily strip, July 25, 1963.

Thirsty’s relationship with Irma further developed another aspect of his personality.  He was a male chauvinist long before Archie Bunker defined the term.  Irma waited on her husband while he lounged in the back yard.  She did all of the housework, including mowing the lawn. Lois glared out of her window, outraged by the way Irma was being mistreated and Hi sheepishly tried to justify his buddy’s behavior.  This battle of the sexes has been waged in Hi and Lois ever since.

Hi and Lois daily strip, December 10, 1965.

Thirsty and Irma don’t have any children.  Although they have a difficult time comprehending the demands of parenthood, the Thurstons have a genuine affection for the Flagston kids and often act like over-indulgent grandparents.

Hi and Lois Sunday page, September 19, 2004.

Thirsty and Irma fight frequently and have even discussed divorce, but somehow their marriage survives.  Thirsty would never find another woman who puts up with his selfishness as patiently as Irma.  Lois can’t understand why she does.  It must be love.

– Brian Walker