Life — February 4, 1909 — page 10: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Page Analysis This is primarily an **advertising page** from Life magazine, circa 1909, containing four separate commercial advertisements rather than editorial cartoons or satire. The ads promote: 1. **Usher's Whisky** — positioned as agreeable/reliable 2. **Boston Garter** — a men's garter with a "cushion button clasp" that "lies flat to the leg" 3. **Vivella Flannel** — spring clothing for women, children, and men, notably advertised as non-shrinking 4. **Philip Morris Cigarettes** — positioned as "the best" in decorative packaging These represent typical early 1900s consumer goods marketed to middle and upper-class readers. The Boston Garter ad includes anatomical illustration showing the product in use. The Vivella ad emphasizes a practical advantage (no shrinkage) for its era. All reflect period commercial priorities and product categories now largely obsolete or transformed.