Life, 1915-06-17 · page 51 of 52
Life — June 17, 1915 — page 51: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a **full-page tobacco advertisement**, not satire or political commentary. It promotes "Bull Durham" smoking tobacco, manufactured by American Tobacco Company. The illustration depicts an elegant social scene—likely a garden party or upscale gathering—where well-dressed men in suits and hats are portrayed as sophisticated and successful. The ad's appeal centers on **masculinity and self-sufficiency**: the product's main selling point is that smokers can "roll their own" cigarettes from loose tobacco, positioning this as an activity for "smart, active, virile young manhood." The copy emphasizes the tobacco's "unique aroma," freshness, and superior quality compared to factory-made cigarettes. A free booklet showing proper rolling technique and complimentary cigarette papers are offered as incentives. **Modern context**: This reflects early 20th-century marketing that associated tobacco use with status, independence, and youthful vigor—tactics now recognized as predatory advertising.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Roll “Bull” Durham and the World Rolls with You “Bull” Durham tobacco in fresh-rolled cigarettes is smoked by smart, active, virile young manhood the world over. There’s smacking, mellow-sweet flavor and relish to every puff of this famously good tobacco, that fit right in with youthful spirits and enthusiasm. There's im- mense satisfaction in making your own cigarettes just the way you want them, with the fresh, flavory tobacco you like best of all. GENUINE ‘BULL DURHAM SMOKING TOBACCO Ask for FREE pac. ae of “papers” The millions of “Bull” Durham smokers are men of wide tobacco-experience. mi gece Seek They have used tobacco in many forms. They prefer “Bull” Durham in fresh, hand- made cigarettes above all—because of the supreme tobacco satisfaction and wholesome, lasting enjoyment insured by “rolling their own.” “Bull” Durham 1s distinguished from all other tobaccos by its wonderfully pleasant, unique aroma. This fresh fragrance is combined in “ Bull” Datta cigar- ettes with the most delightful mildness, mellowness and smoothness—a smoke of unusual character. FREE An Illustrated Booklet, showing correct way to “Roll Your Own™ Cigarettes, and a package of cigarette papers, will both be mailed, free, to any address in U.S. on request. Address “Bull” Durham, Durham, N. C., Room 1295. THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY comicbooks.com