Life, 1924-11-13 · page 4 of 42
Life — November 13, 1924 — page 4: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is primarily a **cigarette advertisement**, not political satire. It promotes "Churchill Downs" cigarettes by Hargraff & Sons, playing on the famous Kentucky horse-racing venue's name. The illustration shows well-dressed spectators at a sporting event (likely horse racing), emphasizing the cigarettes' association with sophisticated leisure and social standing. The tagline "Four Downs... but we mean Churchill Downs" makes a casual pun on American football terminology. The ad highlights the cigarettes' packaging ("black with gold, silver or plain ends") and Macedonian tobacco quality. It directs readers to ask tobacconists for the product, or contact the distributor directly if unavailable. This reflects early 20th-century advertising strategies linking consumer products to sporting prestige and upscale social venues.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
CHURCHILL DOWNS C IGA RE T T E §S FAMOUS ALL-BLACKS..er wh you choose Cfour Downs .... ... . but we mean Churchill Downs Ove for each of the party. Their fragrance and flavor—their black and gold good looks seem to go with the smart atmosphere of the stands on the day of the year’s big game. They come in black with gold, silver or plain ends— white with gold, plain and cork. Finest Macedonian tobacco— they’re a most delicious smoke. Ask your own tobacconist. If he can’t furnish Churchill Downs, just write to us. Distributors for America Churchill Downs Cigarettes Hudson's Bay Tobacco Ben Wade Pipes comicbooks.com