Life, 1909-05-27 · page 32 of 32
Life — May 27, 1909 — page 32: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is **not a political cartoon or satire**—it's a straightforward product advertisement from *Life* magazine's May 27, 1909 issue. The page promotes Williams' Talcum Powder, featuring two product bottles (Violet and Carnation scents). The advertisement highlights technical innovations: a hinged cover and perforated top designed to prevent powder leakage and perfume escape—solving common frustrations with competing products. The copy emphasizes purity, fineness, and suitability for "delicate skins," reflecting early 1900s marketing toward women. The manufacturer, J.B. Williams Co. of Connecticut, is clearly identified. There is no satire, caricature, or political reference here—just period advertising using detailed product illustrations and descriptive copy, typical of *Life*'s commercial content alongside its satirical editorial material.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
"LEPE* © Dili ams | ©lalcamt Powder | May 27. 1909 Be | “Gihe Hinged Cover Che Perforated Top O revolving top to turn, with its annoying sticking. No leaking of powder or escaping of perfume. HE great purity, almost impalpable It can’t leak fineness and velvety dat nee the hee smoothness of Williams’ practically itigh “Talcum Powder make closed instantly. it especially desirable for delicate skins. ‘Two odors—Violet and Carnation. It can be opened or The J. B. Williams Co., Glastonbury, Conn, MAKERS OF WILLIAMS’ FAMOUS SHAVING STICK, JERSEY CREAM TOILET SOAP, ETC. comicbooks.com