Life — July 12, 1928 — page 3: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This is **not political satire** — it's a **full-page advertisement** for Lee Tire & Rubber Company (factories in Conshohocken, PA and Youngstown, OH). The illustration depicts a busy summer roadside scene with vintage automobiles and a tire shop, emphasizing that Lee tires are essential for summer travel. The accompanying text warns drivers that cheap, poorly-made tires will fail on long trips over various road surfaces, while Lee's "Shoulderbilt" tires are heavy-duty and reliable for serious driving. The ad lists multiple tire variants (Balloon, Deluxe Flat Tread, Puncture Proof, Bus and Truck Pneumatic, Staghound) targeting different vehicles and purposes. The tagline promises tires that "cost no more to buy — much less to run," appealing to economical motorists concerned about reliability during the era's popular long-distance automobile travel.