Life, 1920-02-05 · page 7 of 52
Life — February 5, 1920 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page is primarily **advertising** for Rubberset shaving brushes, disguised as editorial content. The left column contains "The Way of a Boy with a Sermon" by Corinne Rockwell Swain—a humorous observation piece about a boy's fidgeting behavior during church services (described in anatomically detailed, comedic fashion). The right side features the main advertisement: a large illustration of a **groundhog** emerging from its burrow. The ad plays on Groundhog Day folklore, using this as a hook to discuss Rubberset brushes' durability. The copywriter personifies "Old Man Rubberset," asking readers to consider how few groundhogs actually emerge each year—a gimmick to emphasize the product's lasting quality and value proposition to consumers. The groundhog serves as a memorable mascot and natural tie-in to seasonal American tradition.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
uNcLi TOM’s “ CABIN "—1920 The Way of a Boy with a Sermon OMPOSES himself with a deep li; listens attentively for three minutes, in unimpeachable form. Cautiously reaches hymn book frem rack; s it; recovers reads hymns for five minutes. Explores trousers pocket and exam- deep interest one magnet, hree pencil stubs and sev- unclassified junk. Drops and hunts under seat until ou-were=d nspects all the stained- ndows and the overhead archi- tecture and decorations. Puts sole of left foot against back of pew in front, at level of knee, and is highly surprised when foot drops i Repeats same exercise with » with same result. till and gratefully sucks pep- offered by merciful aunt. . Experiments to pple while head is extended strange choking sound en- nédiately suppressed by do- ¢ authorities. » a recount of articles in book is old paper fan, and dis- covers that it will make a cracking noise if flipped in a certain manner. Flips it in a certain manner until re- Proved. Explores coat pocket for solace; looks happier; a mysterious hissing sound, like escaping steam, leads to probe, revealing old camera bulb; con- Sighs heavily; listens for five min- ules. Disseets and reassembles flashlight ; finds piece of string in pocket, and Practices Scout knots for a peaceful Stands up with a sigh of relief; thank goodness, it's time for the last hymn! Corinne Rockwell Swain, “LIFE: 207 | Well, folks! this strikes me as a erand wee bit of a time for a few words about | ground-hogs and RUBBERSE TRADE MARK Shaving Brushes | Most all of you know what the brush looks like—that’s why I’m illustrat- |ing the ground-hog! |A hundred-and-some-odd millions of you looked for this critter this week, but how many of you saw him “come out”—this year or any other? How's that? | Mighty durn few? The head of the class for yours! And now for the “stinger”: Did you ever stop to think that still fewer of you ever saw the bristles come out of that ever- lasting grip of hard rubber ina | RUBBERSET brush? I'll say it's worth consider- ing—and remembering. | Obey that impulse! Toddle around to your dealer, separate yourself from one of these half-portion dollars and genuine RUBBERSET- the an shavingman’s one best bet. I thank you! OLD MAN RUBBERSET A “Lifelike reproduction of the Arctomss Monax (choose your = owe pronanciation!) familiar 'o our family circle asthe groundhog. fos ia comicbooks.com