Life, 1919-10-16 · page 5 of 36
Life — October 16, 1919 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is not a satirical cartoon but rather a **straightforward automobile advertisement** for the Milburn Light Electric car, published in Life magazine's advertising section (page 669). The ad promotes the Milburn as "The Convenient Modern Electric" vehicle suitable for town and country driving. Key selling points emphasized include: reliable starts in all weather, adequate speed and power for daily use, long battery range (100 miles), and elegant design accommodating up to five passengers. The illustration shows the boxy, enclosed electric vehicle in profile. A smaller vignette depicts the car climbing a steep hill, symbolizing its power and capability—directly refuting skepticism about electric vehicles' performance. The price ($2,485 f.o.b. Toledo) and manufacturer information are provided. This represents early-1900s electric vehicle marketing before gasoline engines dominated the market.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
i/burn LIGHT, ELECTRIC The Convenient Modern Electric For town or country driving the Milburn Light Electric—the modern electric—is wonderfully convenient. It starts without delay in all weathers. It has all the speed and more power than you will need in your daily driv- ing. Batteries yield long mileage and are easily replaced in a few minutes’ time. Great power is not usually demanded in an electric, yet the Milburn will climb any road over any hill. The Milburn is a car of beauty, refinement and light weight. It is low- swung, easily handled and elegant in finish and appearance. Four or even five passengers are carried easily. Ask for the Milburn catalogue and the address of the nearest Milburn Dealer. Price $2485, f. 0. b. Toledo. Established 1848 The Milburn Wagon Company Toledo, Ohr Automobile Division TTT IT ATTEN T EFUUTUTUVULEDAUIeUeUUOUe beeen comicbooks.com