Life, 1910-09-01 · page 47 of 48
Life — September 1, 1910 — page 47: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is primarily **automobile advertising**, not political satire. The page features a Stearns car advertisement from The F.B. Stearns Company of Cleveland, Ohio. The illustration shows an early 1900s touring car carrying well-dressed passengers in period clothing, depicted passing by Niagara Falls—a famous tourist destination. This visual choice reinforces the ad's messaging: the Stearns is marketed as "the ultimate car" for comfortable, reliable touring. The text emphasizes durability, power (30-60 h.p.), and long-term value—that Stearns cars remain serviceable for years, not disposable. Pricing ranges from $3,200 to $4,600. There is **no political cartoon or satire present**. This is straightforward early automotive marketing, using a picturesque tourist scene to appeal to affluent buyers seeking a dependable vehicle for leisure travel during the era when automobile touring was becoming a status activity.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Stearns—A Synonym for Splendid Touring Ability To tour comfortably, safely and at any speed desired, means traveling in a well-proportioned, teliable, powerful car. It means a machine able to carry its maximum load with comfort and with- out straining. It means a car with wheelbase long enough and springs flexible enough to smooth out the roughest country roads. It is in these qualities that the Stearns excels, for from the first it has been built to provide a perfect car for touring purposes—and that means an ideal car for any service, no matter how severe. Only in a car of the size, power and ability of 30-60 h. p. touring car - $4,600.00 - - the Stearns will you find a machine answering all your requirements. Only in a car of the quality of the Stearns will you find the durability, sturdiness and long life that insure the owner against worries, cares and uncertainties. The Stearns is purchased to keep, not to be turned in at the end of the season. It is built to last and give perfect service for years. That is why Stearns cars many years old are running so satisfactorily today. Chance and guesswork are eliminated in the Stearns from start to finish. The car is an absolutely standardized product. - = 15-30 hp. touring car - $3,200.00 (Vestibule or open touring body optional) The F. B. Stearns Company (Licensed under Seiden Patent) ND, OHIO Model tor | CLEVEL Chain Drive > 15-30 HP. Shaft Dave Pacific Coast Distributing Office, 1651 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco Let us send you the latest Stearns catalog —it tells in detail the story of Stearns success. Pee Mailed to any address upon request comicbooks.com