Life, 1914-05-28 · page 29 of 44
Life — May 28, 1914 — page 29: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is primarily a **product advertisement** for Westinghouse Electric Fans, not political satire or editorial cartooning. The page features a large illustration of a woman operating an electric fan mounted on a stand, positioned to cool her down. The surrounding border displays various fan models available for purchase. The advertisement's messaging emphasizes: - **Convenience**: Simply push a switch to control uncomfortable heat - **Affordability**: Fans are "not expensive" when cost is divided by years of use - **Aesthetics**: Desk and bracket fans are "handsome enough to fit in with the very finest furniture" - **Protection**: Patent felt bottoms prevent damage to furniture The text and imagery appeal to middle-class comfort and modern convenience—selling not just functionality but respectability and refinement. This reflects early 20th-century consumer culture where owning electric appliances signaled status and progressiveness. No political commentary or satire is apparent. This is straightforward commercial advertising in what was likely a mainstream publication.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Temperature Under Control If you have a Westinghouse Electric Fan you never complain about the heat. Just push the switch and start the fan, day or night. The comfortable breeze will keep you up to the mark on the hottest days. Westinghouse Electric Fans are not expensive. To get their cost, divide the price by the years they last. A special word about the finish of the Westinghouse Electric desk and bracket fans. These fans are handsome enough to fit in with the very finest furniture in use in either home or office. The bases are protected by patent felt bottoms which effectively prevent marring highly polished desk and table tops. 4-Blade Desk-and-Bracket, 8-, 12+, and 16-inch 4-Blade Oscillating Desk-and-Bracket, 12- and 6-Blade Desk-and-Bracket, 12+ and 16-inch I ‘Sislnch D.C. 6-Biade Oscillating Desk-and-Bracket, 12- and 4- and 6-Blade Exbensti: a2 and 16-inch > 16-inch 4-Blade Railroad and = 12-inch Telephone Booth 8-inch D. Send for handsome catalog listing the above assortments of fans In ceriting for Fan Catalog, address Dept. AV. Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Co., East Pittsburgh, Penna. Sales Offices in 45 American Cities Representatives all over the World A > g se & i “4 Ve = es 5 ~\ Sh & comicbooks.com