I found a '50's edition of a farm magazine several years ago, was impressed by the ads.  They actually explained how their manure spreader was better than the others, and told of the better components found as well as how many acres a day could be covered.  That was 25 or so years ago, and ads then were already fluff instead of information. 
Still, having the name of a product in your head can sometimes lead you to a purchase, even if you don't realize it.  I would like to say ads did not make a difference, but I am afraid they do in my case.