Panama Features and Ads in 1944

Launched in 1941 and published by the National Lottery, La Loteria magazine was circulated free of charge so that it could reach the most humble homes.  Historian Juan Antonio Susto was named Editor-in-Chief in 1944 and clarified the publication’s mission as a means to diffuse culture and affirm national identity.

The 33-page, 1944 edition printed 1943′s lucky numbers and included articles about Panama’s first president, Manuel Amador Guerrero; the arrival of the printing press; Panamanians of the Colonial Era; a Jamaican named Piruli who sold caramels; and a happy “harbinger of presidents” named Joselito,  who wandered the streets of Panama in large blue trousers and a straw hat yelling his election predictions at the top of his lungs.

The advertisers for this edition were:

Cerveceria Nacional, S.A. Ad for Balboa-Milwaukee-Atlas:  Accompany the pleasure of a meal with the deliciousness of a Cold Beer

The Star & Herald Co. (La Estrella de Panama) Ad for Typography, Litography, Relief, Framing, Stationary:  The Best Team and the Most Modern of Hispano-America  (Telephone:  696)

Banco Nacional de Panama, Founded in 1904:  Has the best service in the country with branches in Colon and agencies in Aguadulce, Almirante, Bocas del Toro, Chitre, Conceptcion, David, Las Tablas, Ocu, Penonome, Puerto Armuelles, Santiago  (Telegraph address: Banconal)

General Electric Ad for Mazda Lightbulbs:  Demand the Brand

La Loteria, Edition N 32, 1944