Life, 1921-04-28 · page 27 of 36
Life — April 28, 1921 — page 27: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a **product advertisement**, not political satire. It promotes Northern brand toilet tissue, marketed as a novel packaging innovation: seven rolls sold together for one dollar through retail stores. The central image depicts a classical female figure (likely representing quality or progress) blowing a trumpet while holding a shield, flanked by tall pine trees. This imagery suggests Northern Paper Mills' connection to Wisconsin forestry and emphasizes the product's natural origins and superiority. The ad's appeal is economic ("direct saving") and practical—positioning bulk purchasing and convenient packaging as modern conveniences. The language emphasizes the product's scientific development and softness ("chamois-soft fabric"), standard marketing claims for the era. There is no political commentary or satire present. This represents straightforward early-to-mid 20th-century consumer advertising targeting household budget-consciousness.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
a f Here we put a new idea to work. In a sanitary and convenient package, seven rolls of Northern tissue are now sold by your own retailer for a dollar. A direct saving in your household expenses—and a nicer way to order this remarkable bathroom paper! The paper-makers art reaches one of its high accom- plishments in the development of this absorbent and chamois-soft fabric—scientifically evolved for this pur- pose only, A lasting supply, in a handy tube—from your dealer, If he hasn’t it, send us his name; and his wholesaler will supply it. Northern Paper Mills, Green Bay, Wis.—also makers of fine paper towels, NORTHERN comicbooks.com