Judge, 1917-09-29 · page 26 of 28
Judge — September 29, 1917 — page 26: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a wartime charity advertisement, not satire. It solicits donations for American soldiers fighting in World War I trenches. The imagery depicts Santa Claus descending into a trench system with holly and gifts, appealing to American patriotism and holiday sentiment. The pitch promises that each dollar funds comfort boxes for two soldiers. It leverages the American Defense Society's cooperation to assure donors their contributions avoid overhead costs. The trench setting emphasizes soldiers' harsh conditions, positioning Christmas gifts as morale boosters and a patriotic duty for the home front. This represents how commercial magazines like Judge mobilized readers for the war effort through emotional appeals blending Santa, Christmas tradition, and national defense obligations.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Santa Claus wants to deliver your gift Judge’s Trench Christmas \ for the American Boys at the Front He is counting on you to do your share toward that celebration. Every dollar you send buys boxes for 2 soldiers—boxes full of practical comforts and the little luxuries that make Christmas real. These articles are supplied at less than half the price you would pay for them in a store. No clerical or shipping expenses to be deducted, thanks to the generous codperation of the AMERICAN DEFENSE SOCIETY. Mak: checks payable to Leslie- Judge Co., Address JUDGE'S Trench Christmas Fund, 225 Fifth Ave., New York