Card Number 373, Miss Willoughby, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-5) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cameo Cigarettes 1880s

This is a promotional card for Cameo Cigarettes, produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. sometime between 1870 and 1920. It features a photograph of Miss Willoughby, an actress whose name and image were used to market tobacco products. Tobacco cards like this one were immensely popular in the late 19th century, particularly in the United States. They offer a fascinating glimpse into the cultural and social values of the time. Actresses, athletes, and other public figures were frequently featured, reflecting a growing celebrity culture and the power of advertising to shape public perception. The cards also highlight the close relationship between entertainment, consumption, and the construction of social identities. To truly understand the significance of this card, we can consult a variety of historical sources, including advertising archives, theater ephemera, and social histories of the period. By exploring these resources, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complex interplay of commerce, celebrity, and cultural values that shaped the world in which this image was created and consumed.