Life, 1916-04-06 · page 4 of 80
Life — April 6, 1916 — page 4: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page is primarily a **champagne advertisement**, not political satire. It promotes "Great Western Champagne" from Pleasant Valley Wine Co. in Rheims, N.Y. The ad uses a well-dressed man in formal evening wear as an aspirational figure, paired with champagne bottles and glasses. The headline "Discriminating People Prefer" suggests the product appeals to refined, upper-class consumers. The text emphasizes the champagne's awards and credentials—gold medals from international competitions (Paris, Bruxelles, Vienna) and claims it's "the only American Champagne" to achieve this recognition. The phrase "Typifying the Supreme in Quality" reinforces luxury positioning. This reflects early 1900s advertising strategy: associating a product with sophistication, wealth, and good taste to attract affluent buyers.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Great Western Champagne “BRUT SPECIAL 1900” (absolutely brut) “SPECIAL RESERVE” (very dry) f “EXTRA DRY” (medium) Typifying the Supreme in Quality. Only American Champagne Awarded > Gold’ Medals in Europe.(World’s Competition.) Paris 1900, 1889 and 1867, Bruxelles” 1910-1897.” Vienna_1893. 3 Six o Seven Year: Pleasant Valley ; Oldest and. La: g comicbooks.com