Life, 1912-07-25 · page 41 of 41
Life — July 25, 1912 — page 41: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is primarily a **product advertisement**, not political satire. The page promotes Mennen's Borated Talcum Powder for summer skin irritations like sunburn and chafing. The illustration depicts a **golf scene**—men playing golf in summer heat, with one figure prominently shown applying powder. The golfing context suggests the product's target market: active, outdoor-oriented men concerned with comfort during physical activity. The accompanying illustration labeled **"Mennen's for Mine"** shows a young boy or caddy, presumably to convey the product's universal appeal and safety. The advertisement emphasizes product **differentiation**, warning consumers not to assume "all talcs are alike" and to specifically request "Mennen's" by name—a marketing strategy common in early 20th-century patent medicines and toiletries when brand loyalty was less established. The page reflects **Gilded Age advertising** targeting middle and upper-class men engaged in leisure activities.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
July 25, 1912 Borated Talcum Powder for all Sun Irritations such as Sunburn, Prickly Heat, Chafing, etc. Protect yourself from the skin annoyances due to the summer sun and heat. Powder yourself freely with Men- nen’s Talcum Powder, which will absorb all moisture from the skin, rendering it cool and soft. The peculiar properties of the raw talc, employed in the manufacture of Mennen’s Talcum Powder, together with its antiseptic and antizymotic properties, INSURES a SOOTHING and BENEFICIAL EFFECT, NOT to be FOUND in OTHER TALCUMS. Do not be misled by the statement that talc is talc, and all talcs are alike—there are just as many varieties of talc as colors in the rainbow. The name MENNEN protects you—be 4 sure it’s Mennen’s—call for it by the name. Sample Box, Four Cents in Stamps GERHARD MENNEN co., 86 Orange St., Newark, N. J. “Mennen’s for Mine’’ comicbooks.com