From, of all places, the 1917 Menasha High School yearbook, comes this ad for Walter Bros. Gold Label beer, touting its "health" properties. Written in the style of the best patent medicine ads of the day, the only thing lacking is a litany of the ailments to be cured by consuming it. I'm just disappointed we don't learn exactly why these "leading physicians" of the day recommend its use.
Jan 13
ReplyDeleteRegarding the healthful claims by physicians, it was not that long ago (1950s) that it was claimed on the back cover of every LIFE magazine that, "More doctors smoke CAMELS than any other cigarette." In fact another scientific survey ad claimed that, "20,679 physicians say, 'LUCKIES are less irritating," suggesting that at least 20,680 doctors preferred CAMELS. Did all y'all notice that the phone number for the Walter Bros. Brewing Co. Was "2." Wonder who had 1?
SMHS 1960
And Old Gold used to advertise, "Not a Cough in a Carload!" As if! By the way, the 1907 phone directory listed the Hotel Menasha as having phone number 1.
DeleteAlso, there is a curious reference to "splits" (first time I have heard that term in reference to a quantity of beer. Is that a 4 ounce bottle?
ReplyDeleteDavid
ReplyDeleteThe phone # for the Hotel Menasha was. "1," eh? Fitting. I have seen a dozen or more post card photos of the HM over the years. Without anyone making the claim the hotel WAS the symbol of downtown Menasha for over 100 years. It would make a wonderful tribute collage to the Menasha Historical Society to include a collection of these with a shot of the HM rubble pile.
Jim Krahenbuhl
I've seen old references from about this time refer to a split as a half-pint which would be 8 oz. but I've also seen a newer reference which lists a split as 6 oz. see this link: http://www.drinksmixer.com/guide/1-4-1.php
ReplyDeleteSplit as a term is usually seen in reference to wine or champagnes, not so much beer.