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Ads from 1939

July 20, 2010 by Bob Borson 6 Comments

So I am still going through all the old Architectural Forum magazine’s and just can’t get over how interesting they are to read. Instead of being glossy image puff pieces, there are articles whose intent seems directed at actually educating the reader on the subject. I skip all of those study those articles intensely and just chuckle at how relevant most of them still seem to be. Surrounding these articles are pertinent and equally amusing advertisements that by themselves warrant looking through these magazines.

The ones I am putting up here today are all from 1939. I hadn’t originally intended on organizing them into themes but as the possible copy count rose into double digits, I needed a way to scale everything back. So for your edification and amusement, I present what I am calling:

White Lead and Image of an Architect

.

“The “experimental period” of Dutch Boy White-Lead ended many years ago”

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“Your typical architect is complex – an open minded progressive and a cautious conservative combined in one and the same man.”

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“I’ve yet to get my first complaint on an Eagle White Lead job – and it costs only $2.19 a gallon!”

According to the Mayo Clinic – although children are primarily at risk, lead poisoning is also dangerous for adults. Even exposure to amounts of lead too low to cause symptoms in the short term may increase the risk of high blood pressure and mental decline in the future. Symptoms in adults may include:

  • Pain, numbness or tingling of the extremities
  • Muscular weakness
  • Headache
  • Abdominal pain
  • Memory loss
  • Mood disorders
  • Reduced sperm count, abnormal sperm
  • Fatigue

Memory Loss? Fatigue?? Muscular Weakness??? Mood Orders?!? You know…that other stuff………I HAVE LEAD POISONING!!!!

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“Call the telephone company’s “Architects’ Service” for suggestions in planning conduit layouts. No Charge.”

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“And, of course, you’re not in the least obligated”

Don’t you find it a least a little bit amusing how the architects are portrayed? Three piece suit and tie, smoking a pipe and it would appear that they are always assumed to be male? There are about 100 other ads and they all portray the “Architect” as a learned knower of all things – except this cutting edge new technology – like air conditioning!!

.

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The complimentary advice provided on ‘Life of an Architect’ is based on an abbreviated examination of the minimal facts given, not the typical extensive (and sometimes exhaustive) analysis I conduct when working with my clients. Therefore, anything you read on this site is not a substitute for actually working with me. Following my casual advice is at your own peril … if you want my undivided attention, I would recommend hiring me. Cheers.

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