Life, 1915-09-23 · page 5 of 48
Life — September 23, 1915 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a **commercial advertisement**, not political satire. The page promotes Fisk Non-Skid tires, a real early-20th-century tire brand known for their mascot (visible in the lower left corner). The ad emphasizes the tire's practical benefits: preventing side-slipping and ensuring traction. The photograph shows well-dressed people examining a vehicle, suggesting the product appeals to respectable middle-class motorists. The "Fisk Service" component highlights the company's customer-service approach—free tire maintenance through authorized branches. This was a novel selling point when automobile ownership was becoming widespread but still somewhat luxury-oriented. The prominent tire image dominates the layout, and the overall design is typical of early automotive advertising emphasizing both product quality and dealer support.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Special Otter closed Ine Dole ‘anadian Foreign nd Live nths to Well Equipped HE Fisk Non-Skid prevents side-slipping and insures traction. It is an attractive tire, substantial in appearance and in results, and rides so smoothly that it is practicable for use on all wheels, affording complete protection at a very reasonable cost. Fisk Service is based on the most advanced policy of co-operation known to the tire user. Nowhere, other than in Fisk Branches, can tourists find the same desire and facilities to serve courteously and completely. With the exception of repairs, every tire need is met without charge, and in a way to make the acceptance of the favor a source of pleasure to its recipient. FISK NON-SKIDS WITH FISK SERVICE comicbooks.com