Fire Island, from the Lighthouses series (N119) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1889

This promotional card of the Fire Island lighthouse, issued by Duke Sons & Co., was printed using chromolithography. This process involves using multiple lithographic stones, one for each color, to create a vibrant image. Consider the labor involved: from the artists creating the original image to the skilled workers operating the printing presses, this small card is a product of industrial processes. Chromolithography allowed for mass production and distribution, essential for advertising in the late 19th century. The card itself, made from inexpensive paper, was designed to be collected and traded. The lighthouse image connects to themes of navigation and safety, subtly associating these qualities with the Honest Long Cut Tobacco brand. It’s a reminder that even seemingly simple objects carry layers of social and economic meaning. By looking at materials and making, we gain insight into the values and priorities of a particular moment in history.