Life, 1906-10-18 · page 2 of 28
Life — October 18, 1906 — page 2: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page consists primarily of **advertisements** rather than political cartoons or satire. The left column shows a Reed & Barton Co. ad for high-end chafing dishes and table accessories, appealing to wealthy New Yorkers for entertaining. The right column features an article titled "America Not So Bad" that defends American art and culture against European criticism. It quotes John Bemer Crosby praising American artistic progress, referencing "Teco Pottery" as evidence. The tone is defensive nationalism—responding to the common early-20th-century European view that America was culturally crude and unsophisticated. Below is an advertisement for Smith Gray & Co., a livery service for coaches and automobiles. The page reflects 1920s American attitudes: wealth-focused consumer culture combined with defensive cultural pride.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
‘Gas bail Satin Coprrigns, 1908, by Lars Praesons Om, ALL and Winter months suggest Chafing- Dish Parties after the Hunt, the Auto Ride or the Theatre. QWe offer the most complete line of High-Grade Chafing-Dishes and Accessories to be found in New York. @Chafing-Dishes of Hammered Copper, with handles of Antique Oak: Nickel Silver, with handles of Ebony; Sterling Silver, with handles of Ivory. Q Beautiful and Exclusive Ressltiee not found elsewhere. Reed & Barton Co. Silversmiths and Jewelers Diamonds, Watches. Silverware Cut Glass, Art Stationer Fifth Avenue cor. 32d Street New York America Not So Bad They say America is crude—doesn't express Art. They even tell you that its big, blundering, Creative Impulse makes nothing but bridges—world-beaters—that annoy the crocodiles of the Andes and a lot of other impossible places—and that’s all we know about Art. But, my child, things aren't as bad as they were once. America is Getting There in Art that is Real—and as big in potentiality as all your cantilevers—and as pure and sweet and True as the most hopeless of your visions. America is improving. It is America that has produced TECO POTTERY. —Yohn Bemer Crosby. Most of the best people are writing to Mr. Gates’ Teco den, 645 Chamber of Commerce, in Chicago, for the New TECO PORTFOLIO de luxe. eR sking sufficeth. WHEN Your Coachman or Chauffeur Hands You His Requisition for Heavy- Weight Liveries, You Will Naturally Be Interested in Knowing Where You Can Purchase the Finest Qualities of These Goods at the Most Moderate Prices. OUR Liveries, Whether for Coach, Auto or House Wear, Represent the Best in Materials and Workmanship. The Styles are Absolutely Correct in Every Detail. We Will Be Pleased to Quote Prices and Send You a Catalog on Request. SMITH GRAY & CO. Broadway at Thitty-First Street New York comicbooks.com