Life, 1913-03-27 · page 59 of 60
Life — March 27, 1913 — page 59: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page is primarily a **tire advertisement** disguised as humorous editorial content, not political satire. The "Bugville" framing uses anthropomorphic insects (bugs) as characters in a cartoon scenario where they discuss Pennsylvania Vacuum Cup Tires' anti-skid technology. The joke plays on the term "bug" — the tire company is literally addressing bugs/insects to demonstrate their product's grip on slippery surfaces. The main cartoon shows what appears to be cartoon insects discovering or discussing these tires, with the caption "Those Vacuum Cup Tires have nothing on us" — a pun suggesting the bugs' natural adhesive abilities rival the tire technology. This is **not political commentary** but rather a creative advertising approach: Life magazine's satirical format allowed manufacturers to present product pitches as tongue-in-cheek editorial features, making advertisements more entertaining and memorable to readers than straightforward marketing copy.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
EXTRA! Latest Sensation in Bugville A new method is reported of apply- ing the only positively effective anti-skid principle GUARANTEED to exert a suction grip that is positively effective against skidding and loss of traction on the wettest or greasiest pavement. Or returnable at full purchase price after reasonable period of trial. Now in their fourth big season of yearly doubling and redoubling sale— PENNSYLVANIA VACUUMICUBDTIRES While the powerful cups unyieldingly resist all tendencies of a slipping nature, they exert no resistance whatever to the forward speed, as the rolling of the tire readily releases their hold edgewise. The tread is made of the toughest and highest grade of rubber compound capable of being produced, which is also absolutely oilproof—immune from the destructive effects of oil off roads, Pavements and garage floors. The massive construction called for by the Vacuum Cup design makes these the heaviest and stoutest tires of the rated sizes manufactured. The definite printed guarantee of 4,000 miles attached to each casing is far exceeded by the average service distance even on the heaviest and fastest driven cars. \ Ss Inspect at nearby dealer—or write PennsytvaniA RuBseER Co., Jeannette, Pa. BRANCHES Pittsburgh, $05 Liberty Ave. Chicago, 1006 Michigan Ave. Omaha, 215 S. 20th St. Geveland, 1837 Euclid Ave. Minneapolls. h St. Seattle, Armour Building Detroit, 254 Jefter: . Kansas City, M. s TS, SSSLKAAGAKNAN NA SSANNAANAANNAS a 411 S. Eevay Se , Z % Los Any S. Maia St. An Independent Company with an independent selling policy é “Those Vacuum Cup Tires have nothing on us’’ comicbooks.com