Life, 1917-06-07 · page 2 of 42
Life — June 7, 1917 — page 2: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page is primarily a **Michelin Tire advertisement**, not political satire. The content features a poem about "Old Ironsides" (a ship) encountering tire dealers. The narrative uses the conceit of the ship's owner seeking tire recommendations. A truthful dealer endorses Michelin's "Mich-El-In" brand, praising its durability and value. The advertisement includes: - A large detailed illustration of a Michelin tire on the left - The company's mascot (Bibendum, the "Michelin Man") depicted as a rotund figure made of tire treads, shown on the right with a vintage automobile and two men in period dress - The Michelin Casings & Tubes logo This is **commercial advertising** rather than satirical commentary, using verse and characters to promote tire quality and affordability to early 20th-century automobile owners.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
red at the Post Office at New York. N. Y..a8 Secoad Clase Mail Marte Entered as Second Class Matter at the Post Oce Department. Canad Copyright in Eagland aad the British Possessions. Old Tronsides at anchor lay Outside the tire store, Her owner and the dealer were Conversing at the door. “ Old Tronsides is hard on tires, She’s heavy and she’s fast— It costs too much to keep her shod With tires that do not last. “So tell me, brave Sir Dealer, please, And tell me true, I pray: For Quality, and Value, too, What tire leads today?” Up spake the truthful dealer, then, Experienced and wise: “Tam no Ananias, sir, I would not tell you lies. You “T've sold all kinds of tires, and Stay I've tried them out, as well, Baal The dearest and the cheapest kinds, Eacl The humble and the swell. “T've found, for wear and mileage, that Put None beats the MICH-EL-IN, And yet, its price is moderate, Chee It helps you save your tin.” If ye “ My thanks, O brave Sir Dealer, for Hear You've filled me with delight— Put MICH-EL-INS on all four wheels, And start me off a-right.” Send for a copy of the Tire Users” Handbook —a complete text b. how to get the greatest out of your tires, regard. their make. Sent’ free on Bee ie RN tien tow Of ay Line: MICHELIN TIRE Co. Milltown, New Jersey . ak cs Ze | = [Even long f for quiet desire lal want a pleasure Lo Just across Summer v. comicbooks.com