Here is an advertisement extolling the virtues of Mennen’s Toilet Powder – use it after bathing because “The Month of Roses (apparently an antiquated reference to February) calls for special complexion safeguards to ensure a summer of perfect skin condition and comfort. The daily habit of using Mennen’s Borated Talcum Powder after bathing keeps the skin smooth and healthy, prevents Prickly Heat, Chafing, Sunburn insuring the much coveted browning without burning. After shaving it is delightful, in the nursery indispensable.”
The ad gives insight into what women considered attractive in that era; the expansive claims were not unusual for advertisements of the period. But note that the company proudly states that the product is guaranteed under The Food and Drugs Act of 1906 and is sold in non-refillable bottles presumably to prevent unscrupulous vendors from recylcing used containers and filling them with cheap imitations.
Some things never change.
The Ansonia Hotel, billed itself as “Fireproof in Every Sense of the Word” (how many senses are there):
For once the advertisement may actually have been true because the hotel is not only still standing, it has had a very rich history including being featured in many books and movies over the years.
In 1915 a room and a bath cost $3.00, maid service was optional and catered to Transient and Permanent guests. It billed itself as the finest Apartment Hotel in the World.
Here is a 1915 advertisement for the Red Baby “Vulcan” Ink Pencil guaranteed to make writing a pleasure for only $1.00. It is a “perfect, non-leakable ink pencil at a moderate price.” Available at your stationer or by mail, postpaid, upon receipt of price. Made by J. Ulrich & Company – Established 1884. Agents Wanted.
Recently researchers have discovered that red wine may have a number of health benefits. But back in 1915 advertisers did not need any research to back up their claims that wine was a panacea.
Here is a New York wine marketing itself as a tonic for convalescent patients.
Wine for the Convalescent Patient
Those in the know drink it as a tonic because it carries the “condensed sunshine of the famous Keuka valley, the most beautiful and healthful spot on earth.” Cheers!
This is a 1915 advertisement for the Hotel Martha Washington, which was billed as an “Exceptional Place for Women Traveling Alone” and “Absolutely Fireproof.” Although the hotel catered to women traveling alone, it also featured a restaurant that served both “Ladies and Gentlemen” in case the women wanted to get lucky, I guess.
Rooms were only a dollar a day which included a bath. It even had a telephone (call 6500 Madison).
Ads like this are a small reminder of just how much the world has changed – the idea that women would need to be segregated into a hotel just for women – the boasting that the hotel was fireproof (because most hotels of the time were actually death traps) and the prices, all hint at a world that most of us living today have never experienced.
