Life, 1912-06-27 · page 43 of 45
Life — June 27, 1912 — page 43: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page is **not a cartoon or satire—it's a straightforward advertisement** for Westinghouse Electric fans from an early 20th-century issue of *Life* magazine. The ad promotes the "Residence Type" electric fan, emphasizing its quiet operation ("The Whisper of Its Breeze the Only Sound") and modern design with a drawn-steel frame. Key selling points include: - Silent, efficient operation suitable for homes, libraries, churches, and theaters - Lightweight and durable construction - Available in multiple sizes and styles (desk, bracket, oscillating, ceiling models) - Adjustable speed for comfort - Aesthetic appeal that harmonizes with interior décor The practical advice—placing the fan in a corner if the breeze is too strong—reflects how novelty electric fans were to consumers. The ad emphasizes Westinghouse's extensive distribution network (45 sales offices nationwide) and promises immediate availability. This is period marketing material, not political satire. It reflects the early-1900s enthusiasm for electrical home appliances as modern luxuries.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
a ee! Westinghouse Electric Fan (Residence Type) . The Whisper of Its Breeze the Only Sound HE silent electric fan for your home, the library, church, or theatre. Thenew model, drawn-steel frame, slow-speed Westinghouse Residence Fan has six blades and movesa large volume of air with no distracting indication of the process. The use of the drawn-steel frame makes this fan extremely light and much stronger than the old style fan. The design is very symmetrical and the steel takes any one of many beautiful finishes, making possible a perfect harmony with the richest surroundings. In ordering, ask for the Westinghouse Residence Fan. It comes in the 12-inch size, desk and bracket, and oscillating. Put It On the Floor In the Corner If the Direct Breeze is Too Strong Then all the air in the room is in circulation with no direct draught. You can perfectly regulate the strength of breeze with the switch on every fan. Send for handsome illustrated catalog showing full line of Westinghouse Fans for every purpose. Desk and bracket fans in all sizes. Mechanical and air oscillating fans 12 and 16 inch. Column and ceiling fans, including the new “Baby” ceiling fan, spread 32 inches. Write to Westinghouse Fan Dept. V, East Pittsburgh, Pa. All good electrical dealers and many lighting companies will sell you Westinghouse Fans. If you have trouble obtaining one, let us know and we will see that you are supplied without delay. Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Co. Pittsburgh Sales Offices in 45 American Cities Representatives All Over the World a ETE THE WILLIAMS PRINTING COMPANY NEW YORK comicbooks.com -