Life, 1899-08-03 · page 20 of 20
Life — August 3, 1899 — page 20: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page is primarily **advertising**, not satire. The dominant content is a full-page advertisement for the Equitable Life Assurance Society celebrating its 40th anniversary (July 26, 1899). The ad boasts record-breaking figures: over $1 billion in outstanding insurance, $270 million in assets, and $60 million in surplus—claiming these are "more than twice" what competitors held. The top image shows a dramatic coastal scene labeled "On the Coast of Maine," likely meant to evoke security and stability. The right column contains unrelated product advertisements for Golden Sceptre pipe tobacco, Rambler bicycles ($40), and Ypsilanti health underwear—typical commercial messaging of the era. There is **no political cartoon or satire** visible on this page. It represents straightforward turn-of-the-century corporate promotion and consumer advertising, reflecting the insurance industry's rapid expansion during the Gilded Age.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
An Unparalleled Record. ON ITS FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY, JULY 26th, 1899, The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States has on its books Outstanding Assurance for over a Billion dollars. $1,000,000,000 which is more than twice the amount accumulated by any other company in the world during a similar period of its history. Its Assets amount to over $270,000,000 which is more than twice the amount held by any other company in the world on its fortieth anniversary. Its Surplus amounts to over $60,000,000 which is also more than twice the amount held by any other company at the end of its fortieth year. ‘To commemorate this anniversary the Society has pub- lished a handsomely illustrated sketch of its history. This book will be sent /vce to any one on request. The Equitable Life Assurance Society 120 Broadway, New York “Strongest in the World.”’ DENS pean DE ‘PERFECTION, 4 cet ot of (Oca a to any IO a Soa “Plain, good judgment’ is the “reason for the popularity and leadership of “20 year old” Rene Price $40 Nothing was left to chance, and nce ought to pro st bicycle, and it has AGENCIES EVERYWHERE Gorwutty & Jerreny Myo. Co. Chicaco. Boston, Washington. d Brooklyn. Detroit. Cincinnati. Bi Cleveland. .London, Eng. YPSILANT UNDERWEM SEND FOR BOOKLET TO HAY & TODD MFG.CO. YPSILAKTI SOMIEHOOKS com