Life, 1905-10-05 · page 34 of 44
Life — October 5, 1905 — page 34: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is primarily a **product advertisement page** rather than satirical content. It features three unrelated commercial ads typical of early 20th-century Life magazine: 1. **"Viyella" flannel fabric** — emphasizes the brand name on selvage and that it "does not shrink," warning against imitations 2. **"Mérode" underwear** — positioned as premium women's undergarments (vests, drawers, corset covers) made from quality materials (cotton, silk, merino), distributed by Lord & Taylor in New York 3. **"White Rose Glycerine Soap"** — a beauty product claiming to produce a healthy complexion, with an ornate floral border design The page reflects **consumer marketing priorities of the era**: brand authenticity, fabric durability, quality materials, and beauty ideals. The decorative illustration accompanying Mérode shows fashionable women in period dress, typical of aspirational advertising imagery. There is **no satirical content or political commentary** visible—this is straightforward commercial promotion targeting affluent American consumers.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“WIYELLA’ REG'D FLANNEL The name ‘ Viyella’? is stamped on the selvedge every 2% yds. of each piece. Avoid imitations! Refuse substitutes ! New Fall designs can now be obtained at the leading retail stores. DOES NOT SHRINK “Meérode”’ (Hand- finished) Underwear If you desire to know underwear that is JUST RIGHT, containing every good feature, those little points which have escaped the critical eye of other makers—ask for the “A/ERODE.” The fit is perfect; the fabric of Cotton, Lisle, Silk and Lisle and Merino, the very best; every desirable weight; the shapes cover every known want and come in every quality, Vests, Drawers, Corset Covers, Tights and Union Suits, for Women and Children. “Recommend it to your friends, and they well thank you for zt” Procurable everywhere in the United States and Canada. If you have any difficulty in getting same, write to " ‘rhe Secret of a Healthy and Beautiful Skin. A perfect complexion is assured to all who use this Soap, Its . 5 4 ; transparency is a sign of its purity. [ ord oe Ta lor Ww holesale Distributors ERD. MULHENS. Cologne’ o/R, Ge 7 New York ACLITESS & KROPYP, £05 Broadway, Sew York. Ren 16 cents in stampa for a full size sample cake.