Advertising disguised as news was common in some American papers until about 1915. Here's an example from the Minneapolis Morning Tribune. The typefaces used in the headline and text were identical to those of the adjacent news stories:
BOTTLE FLOATED 33 YEARS
Bottles containing messages thrown overboard from vessels have been picked up after drifting about for long periods, but in all probability the bottle picked up last summer at a point in the Atlantic Ocean three miles south of Monomy Point, Mass., holds all records. The paper within the bottle stated that it had been thrown overboard from the ship “Hattie E. Topley,” April 13, 1874, a little eastward of the Cape of Good Hope. It will probably be interesting to know that you can find enjoyment in a bottle of golden grain belt beer. Order a case and see for yourself.
Â
More from Star Tribune
More From Star Tribune
More From Local
Local

Trapped bear rescued from icy northern Minnesota culvert
Some bystanders who came across the bear first tried to dig it out of the snow and served him food, which the DNR advised against.
North Metro
Officials ID woman hit by vehicle and killed in Brooklyn Park over the weekend
The 48-year-old woman was struck about 7:30 p.m. Saturday, police said.
Local

Man found dead in SUV in suspected homicide in Newport
The man in his 30s was found dead with "obvious" signs of trauma.
Minneapolis
Homeless outreach programs increase services since pandemic
Programs also reported an interest in volunteers for outreach work since the start of the pandemic and since George Floyd's killing.
South Metro

Hastings district's food service workers plan strike for Tuesday morning
About 35 food service workers say they're striking because wages don't keep up with rising cost of living.