March 18, 1910: An ad disguised as news

Advertising disguised as news was common in some American papers until about 1915. Here's an example from the Minneapolis Morning Tribune.

March 18, 2010 at 12:09AM

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.

about the writer

about the writer

Ben Welter