Life, 1906-10-04 · page 35 of 44
Life — October 4, 1906 — page 35: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains **no cartoons or satire**—it is primarily **advertising** from an early 20th-century *Life* magazine. The left column advertises Regina music boxes, emphasizing their quality and mechanical perfection as entertainment for all family members. The middle section promotes the New York Central Railroad's extensive network. The right side features a philosophical essay titled "The Best People," which defines genuine character as the ability to recognize authenticity in others and things, valuing substance over appearance or price. This essay **serves as promotional copy** for W. K. Cowan & Company, a Chicago furniture and art dealer. The implication is clear: "best people" shop at Cowan's for "genuine furniture and things." This reflects *Life*'s early advertising model, where editorial content and luxury advertising were intertwined. The piece appeals to readers' desire to be perceived as refined, discerning consumers—the kind of person who appreciates authenticity and avoids judging "by appearances" or "price."
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
The Best Known Music Box IS THE BEST f the name of a ‘This is the entertain er we with to sce in your home—a source of pleasure to all at all times. It renders all kinds of music with equal facility; it has something for the enjoy- ment of everybody, from grandmother down tothe baby; it fits any mood from’ grave to gay, and once bought it costs nothing to maintain You would not be- Can you think of the name of any other? The one music box that is known the country over hap pens to be the best. If to you the idea of a music box suggests a prickly cylinder and six fonotonvus tunes, go at once to Your nearest music dealer's and hear the Regina play. Note diese that mach Wass its unusual musical qual- ure could be kad for so ity; bear in mind that there are thou- little cost and for go long atime unless you sands of selections to choose from ; that have heard it. The best way is to hear the only attention required is changing a it, We will send you a little booklet disc, and that is as mechanically perfect telling you alll about it, giving prices and asit is musically perfect. different styles and sizes, Makers of Reginapianos, Regina Chime Clocks and Reginaphones. RAHWAY, N. J. New York Salesrooms: B'way & 17th St. :: 259 Wabash Ave., Chicago, Il. “America’s Greatest Railroad” Operating more than 12,000 miles of Railway east of Chicago, St. Louis and Cincinnati COMPRISING THE New York Central & Hudson River Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Big Four Route Michigan Central Boston & Albany Pittsburg & Lake Erie Lake Erie & Western Chicago, Indiana & Southern Lake Erie, Alliance & Wheeling New York & Ottawa and Rutland Railroads For a copy of “America’s Winter Resorts,” send a two-cent stamp to George H. Daniels, "Manager General Advertising Department, Grand Central Station, New York. C F. DALY, Passeager Tratic Manager, NEW YORK. - The Best People Who are they? I should say they are those, and those only, who are themselves genuine and who are able.to sense and to appreciate the quality of genuineness in other people and in things. They are distinguished in the main by reason of a sense of values—through having achieved perspective. They do not judge people by appearances, nor merchandise by its price. They are the open-minded, broad- gauged, sane and simple folk whom adversity does not crush nor fortune make overproud. They are the elect of earth through the gift of discrimination. Most of them may be seen—one time or another —buying genuine furniture and things of W. K. Cowan & Company Manufacturers :: Importers :: Retailers Furniture :: Decoration :: Art Objects Retail Store 203-207 Michigan Boulevard Chicago comicbooks.com