October 1929 is noteworthy in American history, for the start of the Great Depression.
But John Gowell — a young resident of Westport — would remember it for another reason.
That’s the month he appeared in an advertisement in Farm & Fireside, a semi-monthly national magazine.

It’s not clear what the ad — photographed by Warren Boyer — was for. The caption says: “Who wants to come over and play football with John Gowell of Westport, Connecticut.”
Farm & Firewide — founded in 1877 — lasted another 10 years, after the Depression began.
I have no idea what happened to John Gowell.
But his ad is still around, 96 years later.
And it can be yours for just $24.99, on eBay. (Hat tip: Seth Schachter)
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