Life, 1913-03-06 · page 16 of 72
Life — March 6, 1913 — page 16: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a **full-page advertisement**, not political satire. It promotes Firestone Non-Skid Tires, manufactured in Akron, Ohio. The image shows a dramatic silhouette: a massive tire forming an arch, with an early automobile and two occupants positioned beneath it on a hill. This visual metaphor emphasizes the tire's size and protective quality—the automobile appears small and safe under the tire's shelter. The text emphasizes practical benefits: the "non-skid" tread (common in early 20th-century tires) prevents accidents by improving traction and preventing skidding on roads. The ad promises durability, economy, and safety—key selling points for automobile owners of that era. A book offer, "What's What in Tires," suggests consumer education was part of Firestone's marketing strategy. The tagline claims Firestone as "America's Largest Exclusive Tire and Rim Makers."
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Reduce tire and car expense by means of thick “non-skid” tread built up on regular Firestone body. Toughness and thickness give longer life ; resiliency protects car’s mechanism. Sharp edges, abrupt angles and deep hollows of tread grip pavement or road — prevent skid and increase traction. Demand them for security, economy, comfort. Write for book, “* What's What in Tires,” by H. S. Firestone. The Firestone Tire & Rubber Co., Akron, Ohio All Principal Cities “ America’s Largest Exclusive Tire and Rim Makers” comicbooks.com