Life, 1909-07-01 · page 44 of 44
Life — July 1, 1909 — page 44: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a commercial advertisement, not satire or political commentary. The page promotes Williams' talcum powder for use on babies after bathing, emphasizing its antiseptic properties and softness. The illustration shows a woman applying powder to a naked baby—a straightforward domestic scene typical of early 1900s advertising. The image conveys maternal care and cleanliness, values the ad copy reinforces by highlighting the product's ability to prevent chafing and irritation in infants. The advertisement mentions the product comes in two scents (Violet and Carnation) and features a "Hinged Cover" box design, positioned as modern convenience compared to older "revolving top" containers. This reflects the era's marketing of hygiene and personal care products to middle-class families, with talcum powder being standard baby care.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
LIFE: Williams Talcum Powder A little the choicest Talc Powder in a little the handiest box you ever used After Baby’s Bath use Williams’ Talcum Powder freely on neck, at joints and in all folds and crevices of the skin. Mildly antiseptic, it will prevent and alleviate chafing, prickly heat and other irritations common to infants, impart a vel oftness to the skin and prove delightfully soothing and refresh- ing. Made of the highest grade imported Tale, exquisitely perfumed and of almost impalpable fineness. It is as perfect in its way as the Shaving Soap that for seventy-five years has made the name WILLIAMS famous. Two Odors, Violet and Carnation VERY woman will appreciate the convenience of Williams’ Hinged Cover Tale Box. No turning or sticking of the top, no uncertainty as to whether the box is open or closed, no leak- ing of the powder or escape of perfume, as with the old style unsatisfactory revolving top. Ask for Williams’ Tale Powder in the Hinged Cover Box THE J. B. WILLIAMS COMPANY, GLASTONBURY, CONNECTICUT Makers of Williams’ Famous Shaving Stick, Jersey Cream Toilet Soap, etc. comicbooks.com