Life, 1903-06-04 · page 3 of 36
Life — June 4, 1903 — page 3: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Content Analysis This page is primarily **advertising, not satire or political commentary**. It features two Columbia automobile advertisements framed by decorative cypress trees. The ads promote: 1. **Columbia 24 H.P. Gasoline Touring Car, Mark XLI** — emphasizing reliability, balanced engine performance, and capacity for six passengers 2. **Columbia Electric Victoria, Mark XXXI** — highlighting comfort and ease of control, positioned for women drivers ("ladies' use") The Electric Vehicle Company (Hartford, Connecticut) is marketing these early 1900s automobiles through Life magazine to affluent readers. The juxtaposition of gasoline versus electric vehicles reflects the era's competing automotive technologies before gasoline dominance. There is no political satire present; this is straightforward product promotion using the magazine's advertising space.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Columbia 24 H. P. Gasoline Touring Car, Mark XLI NIQUE with respect to accessibility of working parts, Perfectly balanced 4-cylinder vertical engine, Vibration and noise practi- cally eliminated, Igniting plugs and valves removable without tools. Speeds 4 to 45 miles per hour, Seats six persons. Body work and fit combination of art and utility ted electric antomo: Its comfort, rally to ladies’ use, N print and illustration this catalogue fs the most artistic book of fis kind ever i a. i a ct on cover the full line of Columbia automobiles, including electric Runabonts, Victorias, Phac- tons, Cabriolets, Coupés, Brovghams, Mansome, Busees, Special Scevice and Delivery Wagons, Tracks, and the new 24 I. P. Cofwmbia Gasoline Tour Orders for Broughams and Coupes for oarly Fall dolivory should be placed immediately. ELECTRIC VEHICLE COMPANY HARTFORD, CONN. New York Salesroom : 134-136-138 W. 39th Street Opposite Metropolitan Opera House Boston, 74-76-78 Stanhope Street Chicago, 1421 Michigan Ave. COPYRIGHT FOR GREAT BRITAIN BY JAMES HENDEREON comicbooks.com