Life, 1920-08-19 · page 29 of 40
Life — August 19, 1920 — page 29: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a **product advertisement, not satire or political commentary**. The page features a classical allegorical figure (resembling Lady Liberty or an industrial-age personification) holding a roll of Northern Tissue toilet paper, positioned as a symbol of achievement and progress. The ad appeals to early-twentieth-century consumer values by framing toilet paper as a marker of industrial sophistication and refinement—"finer bathroom necessity." It emphasizes manufacturing expertise and sanitary innovation as selling points, reflecting an era when such products were relatively new luxuries. The decorative forest vignettes flanking the central image reinforce associations with natural materials and wholesomeness. Made in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the brand emphasizes American manufacturing pride. This represents typical Life magazine advertising: aspirational messaging that dignifies everyday consumer goods through artistic presentation and appeals to progress and quality.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
q A texture that is a real achievement in the science of paper making commends Northern Tissue to you. The best skill of the industry has been taxed that you may have this finer bathroom necessity. Call it by any other name and it’s not Northern Tissue—a more sanitary and economical toilet paper. At your dealer’s now. Made in Green Bay, Wiscon- sin, by the Northern Paper Mills—also manufacturers of fine paper towels, for shops, offices and kitchens. comicbooks.com