Life — January 11, 1917 — page 6: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This page is **not a cartoon or satirical content**—it's a straightforward **advertisement for Weed Chains**, tire chains manufactured by American Chain Co., Inc. in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The ad displays numerous tire brands of the era (Republic, Pennsylvania, Lee, Goodrich, Michelin, etc.) to demonstrate compatibility. The central message claims cars are "100% Skid Proof" only when equipped with Weed Chains on all four tires, "regardless of the brand or type of tires used." This reflects early automotive safety concerns, when tire chains were essential winter equipment for traction on snow and ice. The advertisement emphasizes universal compatibility to appeal to all car owners, regardless of their tire choice.