Life, 1914-09-17 · page 5 of 48
Life — September 17, 1914 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis This is **not a political cartoon or satire** — it's a straightforward **advertisement** for Fisk Rubber Company tires, specifically their "Non-Skid" model. The page features a product photograph of a Fisk tire showing its distinctive tread pattern. The ad copy appeals to car owners' pride in their vehicles, emphasizing the tire's practical benefits: superior traction on slippery roads, durability, and long mileage. The only humorous element is a small cartoon mascot in the bottom right corner — the "Fisk Boy," the company's trademark character holding what appears to be a tire. A promotional offer mentions poster-stamps for children featuring this character. This represents early 1900s automotive advertising aimed at establishing brand prestige and consumer loyalty.