Life — October 16, 1919 — page 5: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis 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.