Newspaper Ads, now in TWO COLORS! Lancaster PA "New Era," 1933

[booksandcheeses.livejournal.com]

A newspaper ad about newspaper ads. How very meta.

Comments

[kip-w.livejournal.com]

The Denver Post used red headlines as early as 1898, and probably earlier. I don't know about ads, but there's a story in Chapter 21 of Timber Line, by Gene Fowler (about the journalistic careers of Bonfils and Tammen, who ran the Denver Post for years — they were one of the first to break the Teapot Dome scandal, mostly because they were unable to get a payoff — and who also started another Post in Kansas City, MO) where Tammen went to KC to stir his salesmen up. He asked who the toughest nut was they had to crack, and was directed to an upright citizen who Fowler opted to call Gissing. After a frosty reception from Gissing, Tammen went in to try the hard sell.

Tammen was swarming over the desk now, spreading out the two newspapers, side by side. "Now, look here, Gissing." He pointed to the copy of the Star. "Just look at that. What does it remind you of, Gissing?"
Mr. Gissing, waving wanly, didn't know. And, if he had known, Tammen wouldn't have let him answer anyway. "I'll tell you — it's like your wife, Gissing, Plain, unattractive, no sex appeal. None whatsoever!"
The merchant was startled beyond compare, tongue-tied, and in need of smelling salts.
"But look here, Gissing." Tammen now spread the screaming copy of the Post on the polished walnut desk. "What does this remind you of?"
Gissing, miraculously worked his vocal cords. "I do not know."
"Thus encouraged, Tammen slapped Gissing's back. "Then I'll tell you. It looks like the most beautiful, the most voluptuous whore you ever saw — that's what it is, Gissing!"
Gissing struggled for air. Then he "blew his topper." He jumped up, screming: "Get out — both of you!"

[booksandcheeses.livejournal.com]

Oh, yes-- this was more, this particular Pennsylvania paper was finally getting on the bandwagon. I mean, "The Yellow Kid" had been around for ages before, and red wasn't so hard and color was common in other places, but I just thought the ad to announce color was interesting. That's all.

And that excerpt you posted is amazing! Thanks for that!

[singeaddams.livejournal.com]

Two colors! The mind boggles. And I actually think it looks better than all the photo-realism we have today.

[pikkewyntjie.livejournal.com]

I thought the answer was a zebra with a sunburn. Oh, read all over.