Edith Hoby, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 3) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This small card featuring Edith Hoby comes from a series of actors and actresses, made by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. In the late 19th century, mass-produced trade cards like this served as both advertising and collectibles, offering a glimpse into the cultural values of the Gilded Age. Hoby, here presented in profile, represents a figure of aspiration and entertainment. The Virginia Brights brand and its association with performers suggest how celebrity culture was being used to promote consumer products. Richmond, Virginia, where the cigarettes were manufactured, tells us about the economic geography of the time. As such, the tobacco industry played a significant role in the post-Civil War South. To fully appreciate this image, historians might explore archives of advertising ephemera, theatrical records, and business histories. By studying these resources, we can better understand the connections between commerce, entertainment, and society in the late 1800s.