Judge, 1897-04-10 · page 11 of 18
Judge — April 10, 1897 — page 11: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page is primarily a **patent medicine advertisement**, not political satire. It advertises Pabst Malt Extract as a cure for "spring ills"—a seasonal affliction believed common in early 20th-century America, causing fatigue, anemia, and weakness. The left side depicts the **Boston Tea Party** (the 1773 protest against British taxation), establishing American patriotic credentials. The ad claims Milwaukee beer's fame comes from Pabst's brewing expertise, then pivots to selling malt extract as a health tonic. The advertisement includes a testimonial from "M. Lewinson, Harrison, Mich." praising the product's effectiveness. **Context for today**: This reflects an era when alcohol-based "tonics" and patent medicines made unregulated health claims before FDA oversight. The patriotic imagery was typical advertising strategy to build brand trust and American pride. "Spring ills" appears to be a marketing concept rather than recognized medical condition.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
MILWAUKEE Bet h TAMOUS PABST HAS! MADE IT 30.) \ BAN - \ SPRING ILLS, Enervation, Fatigue, Thin Blood, Anaetias a of ital ity, Weakness, Nervousness, Sleeplessness and Slow Recovery from a Winter’s Sickness make pe people feel, as is aptly said, “under the PABST MALT EXTRACT THE “BEST” TONIC, is a powerful vitalizing builder, strengthener and sleep restorer. It “adds energy to the heart and blood, fills one with life and brings back the fugitive health. It is indeed the best tonic for spring ills. you my best compli- fe has been. cKering from “PERFECTION IN BREWING ==1S REACHED IN AMERICA J A BLNNER L108) = comicbooks.com