Life, 1909-11-18 · page 36 of 36
Life — November 18, 1909 — page 36: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a **product advertisement**, not a political cartoon. It promotes Williams' Shaving Stick with an appeal to early 20th-century masculine outdoor pursuits. The image shows a well-dressed man holding golf clubs, representing the target demographic: active sportsmen (golfers, automobilists, yachtsmen) who spend time outdoors. The advertisement's strategy links the product to an aspirational lifestyle—suggesting that proper shaving maintenance is essential for men engaged in vigorous outdoor activities. The tagline "The kind that won't smart or dry on the face" addresses practical concerns: sun and wind irritation. The reference to "Keep your eye on the Ball" in Golf serves as a clever parallel—just as focus matters in golf, Williams' Soap supposedly matters in shaving. This reflects period marketing targeting affluent, active male consumers, emphasizing grooming as part of a gentlemanly outdoor lifestyle.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“LTF'E* - November 18, 1909 Williams “sie “The kind that won't smart or dry on the face” “Keep your eye on the Ball’ is the first rule in Golf. In shaving, Williams’ Shaving Soap is the important thing. Its thick, creamlike, soothing lather assures the golfer, automobilist, yachtsman, and every man who is much out of doors a smooth, healthy, comfortable face. It allays the irritation caused by sun or wind. Williams! Shaving Stick sent on receipt of price, 25¢., if your druggist does not supply you. A sample stick (enough for 50 shaves) for 4c. in stamps. Thee The J. B. Williams Company, Department A, Glastonbury, Conn. as no Equal p and Williams’ Talc Powder—Violet and Carnation comicbooks.com