Judge, 1907-07-06 · page 16 of 16
Judge — July 6, 1907 — page 16: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a full-page advertisement, not political satire. It promotes Mennen's talcum powder for men's grooming, specifically for use after shaving. The ad features an elegant couple—a man in formal white dress and a woman in dark clothing—each holding decorative powder containers. The headline "Take Your Wife's Advice" appeals to masculine vanity by suggesting wives endorse the product for their husbands' grooming. The copy emphasizes the powder relieves summer skin problems (prickly heat, chafing, sunburn) and promises purity under the 1906 Food and Drug Act. A small portrait of "Gerhard Mennen" appears as the brand's face, establishing trustworthiness. This reflects early-1900s marketing strategies: using social status imagery, appealing to domestic authority figures, and leveraging new consumer protection laws as credibility markers. The luxury presentation contrasts with the modest 25-cent price point.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Nana - Talcum ‘TAKE YOUR WIFE'S ADVICE” and imsist upon your barber using Mennen’s Borated Talcum Toilet Powder after shaving ill keep your skin in perfect condition, and afford you as much comfort as it has to the es and her. ennen’s Borated Talcum Toilet Powder s a sure relief for Prickly Heat, Chafing, Sunburn, and all skin troubles of summer. After bathing it is refreshing and delightful. Put up in non-refillable boxes—the “‘ box that lox ’’—for your protection. If Memnen’s face is on the cover it's gemuine and a guarantee of purity. Guaranteed under the Food and Drug Act, June 30th, 1906. Serial No. 1542. Sold everywhere, or by mail 25 cents. SAMPLE FREE Gerhard [ennen Co., 14 Orange St., Newark, N. J. Try Mennen’s Violet (Borated) Talcum Toilet Powder. Jt has the scent of fresh cut Parma Violets. comicbooks.com