Life, 1918-01-17 · page 31 of 40
Life — January 17, 1918 — page 31: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is not a cartoon or satire—it is a **straight advertisement** for Republic Tires, published in *Life* magazine (page 111). The page displays two large tire images flanking promotional text. Republic Rubber Corporation of Youngstown, Ohio markets their "Staggard Tread" tire, emphasizing its superior winter-driving safety through scientifically-designed studs that provide "maximum grip with minimum friction." The ad claims Republic tires were the "Originator of the First Effective Rubber Non-Skid Tire" and that their proprietary "Prödium Process" manufacturing makes them more durable than competitors. There is no satire here—this represents early automotive advertising targeting consumers concerned with winter road safety, a genuine practical issue for 1920s drivers.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Maximum Grip In Winter Driving We know that most people give little thought and attention to treads. They generally assume that tire treads are the same in their non-skid efficiency. This is not true. Republic Staggard Tread is different—no matter how much alike others may be. The Staggard Studs on Republic Tires are the result of real scientific study. The design of the individual studs, their dimen- sions and their placing give maximum grip with minimum friction. The studs allow the tire to roll practically without friction. No sharp corners meet the road bed. But these same studs fight against all side movements of the tire and grip the road tenaciously. In winter driving the anti-skid strength of Republic Tires is especially appreciated. Republics are made by the Proddium Process. They last longer and resist wear to a remark- able degree. Republic Black-Line Red Inner Tubes have @ reputation for freedom from trouble The Republic Rubber Corporation Youngstown, Ohio Originator of the First Effective Rubber Non-Skid Tire Republic Staggard Tread Republic StAGGARD par 300 19-22-1900 Tread Maximum Grip with Minimum Friction comicbooks.com