Life, 1919-07-24 · page 6 of 40
Life — July 24, 1919 — page 6: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is primarily a **Robbins & Myers advertisement** for electric fans, not political satire. The page appears from *Life* magazine's advertising section (page 142). The illustration shows a silhouetted figure operating a large fan, with people in period dress (appearing early 20th century) observing it. The ad's message is straightforward: consumers should examine the **motor mechanism** behind fan blades when purchasing, not just the visible blades themselves. The ad argues that Robbins & Myers fans, made by a motor-specializing company with twenty-two years' experience, guarantee quality through superior engineering. The tagline emphasizes looking "in the back" — literally examining the motor — as proof of reliability and value. This reflects early consumer advertising strategy: teaching buyers to evaluate product durability through internal construction rather than appearance alone.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Look a Fan in the Back All fan blades look alike. Of course they will make a stir in the air. But if they are not backed by a motor that will keep them working year after year, then they become an idle expense. So, buy your electric fan on a motor basis. Look behind the blades. If the fan is made by a concern that specializes in the making of fine motors, buy it. Robbins & Myers Fans, for instance, are made by a motor concern—motor built and R&M built throughout. They are the result of twenty-two years’ concentration in the building of motors from 1-40 to 50 horsepower. And, being motor built they insure a lifetime of comfort and economy. Every fan need is met in the Robbins & Robbins Fans Myers line—a fan for desk, wall or ceiling; oscillating, non-oscillating or ventilating; for home, office, store or workroom; for operation on direct or alternating current. Look a fan in the back for its ability— signified by the motor. Look it in the face for its reputation —signified by the R&M flag on the guard—two fan-buying guides to Robbins & Myers quality. * * * Robbins& Myerspower motorsare also found on the better electrically-driven labor-saving devices. An R&M Motor ona vacuum cleaner, washing machine, adding machine or other motor-driven device is a guarantee of like quality throughout. The Robbins & Myers Co., Springfield, Ohio For Twenty-two Years Makers of Quality Fans and Motors Branches in All Principal Cities 1445 [Fcomfor in use Store I] comicbooks.coml