Judge, 1893-07-29 · page 13 of 16
Judge — July 29, 1893 — page 13: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is **not satire or political commentary**—it's a straightforward advertisement disguised as editorial content in Judge magazine, promoting Williams' Shaving Soap at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The elaborate allegorical illustration and text construct a false narrative of legitimacy: the "Bureau of Public Comfort" supposedly investigated all soaps and selected Williams' exclusively for the fair's barber shops. A testimonial from "the Managing Barber" (W.M. Purcell) claims it's the only "perfect" option and safe against contagious diseases and "Barber's Itch." This was a common advertising tactic of the era—manufacturing credibility through invented institutional endorsements. The imagery of Lady Liberty and the fair's architecture lends patriotic authority to a commercial product. For modern readers, it illustrates how advertising exploited public trust and emerging germ-theory anxieties to sell consumer goods.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
I FIRST AWARD. N PLANNING the Hair-dressing rooms for the World's Fair—the Bureau of Public Comfort determined that only the very best of material should be used. Investigation convinced them that there was but one perfect Shaving Soap—and without being affected by any influence or consideration whatever—the Acting Chief of that department orders that nothing but the famous Williams’ Shaving Soap—shall be used in any Barber Shop—under the jurisdiction of the Columbian Exposition Company. Thus—at the very start—the highest possible honor—is again accorded this wonderful Shaving Soap. THE MANAGING BARBER to whom is entrusted the care of every shop on the grounds—adds his testimony to the value of this famous article in the following words: “Having tested samples submitted—of nearly every Shaving Soap made both in this Country—and abroad—I find that Iilliams’ Shaving Soap—is the only one perfect in every respect—and it has been adopted for exclusive use in every Barber Shop on the grounds at the World's Fair. (Signed) Wm. M. PURCELL.” WILLIAMS’ SHAVING SOAP gives perfect assurance of safety—to those who patronize the Barber Shops. prepared for them at the Exposition. The danger of contracting any contagious skin disease—so common where “ cheap,” impure soaps are used—is entirely removed. The soothing healing and wonderfully antiseptic properties of Williams’ Shaving Soaps are known throughout the world, and a case of Barber's Itch—Sycosis—or other form of blood-poisoning has never been traced to any Barber Shop—where this article is regularly used. We feel fully warranted in recommending the World’s Fair Barber Shops—to the hundreds of thousands of visitors who will have occasion to patronize them. THE J. B. WILLIAMS CO., N. B.—The public is respectfully invited to examine FOR OVER HALF A HUNDRED YEARS MAKERS the full exhibit of Williams’ Shaving Soaps—tocated in the East OF THE FAMOUS WILLIAMS SHAVING SOAPS. Gallery of the Manufacturers’ Building—Section G, Block 7. GLAST: ‘ON BURY, CONN. U.S.A . comicbooks.com