Life, 1898-08-25 · page 20 of 20
Life — August 25, 1898 — page 20: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
The main cartoon depicts figures engaged in aerial activities—likely referencing the early aviation craze of 1908. The dialogue joke contrasts a mundane social obligation (harp concert) with the novelty thrill of flying lessons, suggesting that aviation was becoming fashionable enough among the wealthy to compete with traditional cultural events. The page is primarily **advertising**, featuring patent medicines and luxury goods typical of the era: Vin Mariani (a cocaine-containing wine marketed as medicinal), White Rose Glycerine Soap, Whitman's Chocolates, and Old Crow Rye whiskey. These ads reflect early-1900s consumer culture where unregulated substances were openly promoted for health benefits. The cartoon itself appears to satirize the faddish enthusiasm for new technologies and leisure activities among the upper classes, rather than making a specific political statement.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
August 25, 1555 Malaria ?™ “GOING TO THE HARP CONCERT THIS AFTERNOON #7 “CAN'T. GUT A FLYING LESSON AT TWO O'CLOCK. ) The Ideal French Tonic FOR BODY AND BRAIN Stace 1963, Endorsed by Medical Faculty immediate lasting efficacious __ agreeable Ru aniant WINE YCERINE 3) > * LOSER OL Transparent as crystal. The strict- re?) @ \y hygienic properties and absolute f »’ purity, as well as the refined and deli: y cate perfume of this toilet soap, have Wy) Placed it at the apex of all. / IVERSALLY. SAMPLE CARB 15 CENTS, are more potent when tipped with Whitman's Chocolates and Confections Sold everywhere. Whitman's Instantaneous Chocolate 1s perfect In flavor and quality, delicious and healthful. Made instantly with bolling water, STEPHEN F. WHITMAN & SON, 1316 Chestout Street, Philadelphia, Pa. Imitation May Be the Sincerest Form of Flatten, but it is extremely undesirable in bes ness, and when applied to WI also dangerous to the public fore look sharp for imitations. 4’ ‘ou had best discard all these vari rands of rag, shag, an¢ being fwisted on the pul hazardous to use them; old-time reliable OLD CROW R and you will never regret it. BUY ONLY OF RELIABLE HOUSES Send for James Crow Bookie Sent Free. H. B. KIRK & CO, Sole Bottlers, 69 Falton Street, Also Broadway and 27th Street. Sole Agent: th gt Wests Wine. MEM COM COOKS