Life, 1915-09-30 · page 43 of 45
Life — September 30, 1915 — page 43: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is primarily a **cigarette advertisement**, not political satire. The page promotes Richmond Straight Cut cigarettes with a nostalgic marketing approach. The ad references the **1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition** as a historical anchor, claiming Richmond Straight Cuts were "the first high-grade cigarettes made in the United States" around that time. The opening joke about the "Philadelphia Cemetery" and hair-parting appears to be a mild pun rather than satire—likely a playful reference to something contemporaries would recognize. The advertisement emphasizes **quality and tradition**, using the tagline "Quality—like a woman with a secret—will tell in the end" (a now-dated comparison that relies on gendered stereotypes of the era). Gold medals from Paris (1889), Chicago (1893), and Panama-Pacific (1915) expositions are cited as proof of superiority. The vintage illustration shows well-dressed gentlemen in 19th-century attire, positioning the product as refined and gentlemanly. Pricing is listed at fifteen cents per pack, with bulk options available. This reflects early 20th-century advertising practices before tobacco health warnings.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Richmond Straight Cut PLAIN2 CORK TIPS Did You Visit the Yes. that's a leading Philadelphia Ceme question for those who 4 Tee. TO a have to be careful where texwiial’ ir LEGO & they part their hair. When the Philadelphia Centennial opened its doors is a long time back for some of us to remember but that was about the time that Richmond Straight Cuts were first made. These cigarettes were the first high- grade cigarettes made in the United States. That they are so popular to- BR CIGARETTES day bears out the old saying that «-Quality—like a woman with a secret —will tell in the end.” In all these years, the high quality of Richmond Straight Cuts has never varied, Their “bright” Virginia tobacco has the same characteristic and appealing taste today. They were in the beginning and they always will continue to be the «Best of all Vir- ginia Cigarettes.” Besides the regular package, these cigarettes are also packed in attractive tin boxes, convenient for den, office of trav- cling, 50 for 40 cents: 100 for 75 cents. These larger ckages will be sent prepaid on receipt of price if your Toler cannot supply you. y RICHMOND, Viroimia,USA, Mort Gertec wiassaerrs isco 0 roeeseen f= GOLD MEDALS FIFTEEN CENTS Paris World's Fair Panama- Pacific Exposition Chicago International 1889 1893 Exposition, 1915 SNTLEMEN NOW AS THEN comicbooks.com