Life, 1908-08-06 · page 54 of 54
Life — August 6, 1908 — page 54: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a **product advertisement**, not political satire. It promotes Mennen's Borated Talcum Toilet Powder to address skin problems caused by summer vacation activities. The image shows two women in water ("The Queen of the Surf"), apparently suffering sun and wind damage. The advertisement claims the powder heals and soothes skin, prevents prickly heat, chafing, and sunburn—problems associated with bathing and shaving. Key selling points include: the product is "absolutely pure, high grade," comes in a distinctive non-refillable "Box that Lox" (featuring the Mennen's face logo), and is guaranteed under the Food and Drugs Act of 1906. The ad emphasizes authenticity and protection against counterfeits. A small portrait shows Gerhard Mennen, the company founder. Additional products mentioned include violet and "Sen Yang" talcum powders. The company was based in Newark, New Jersey.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“The Queen of the Surf’’ so, with complexion ruined by the sun and wind of vacation days. The ue of Mennen’s 1e bath, and daily, will obviate the trouble, MENNEN’S ‘acum TOILET POWDER igh grade toilet powder, which not only heals the skin, but soothes the skin ; not only J rawness, but heals them, Mennen’s relieves ard prevents Prickly Heat, Chafing, Sunburn, and all skin troubles of summer, After bathing, aad alter shaving it is delightful, in the nursery indispensable, For your protection the genuine is put up in non-refillable boxe—the ** Box that Lox,” with Mennen’s face on 10. Gurrantecd under the Food and Drugs Act. June 30, 1996. Serial No. 1542. Sold everywhere, or by mail, 25 cent, Sample free. GERHARD MENNEN CO. 86 Orange Street Newark, New Jersey Try MENNEN’S VIOLET (Borated) TALCUM TOILET POWDER~It has the rcrot of fresh-cut Parma Vinlets N YANG TOILET POWDER. Onental Od: MENNEN’S BORATED $ DAP (blue wrapper). Specially prepared for tl pay postage. ov set Mennen’s Badge Whist Tallies, comicbooks.com