Card Number 166, Topogganing, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-6) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1880s

"Card Number 166, Topogganing," part of the "Actors and Actresses" series, was issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes. These cards were ubiquitous at the turn of the century, offering glimpses into the lives and leisure activities of the era. The image portrays two women enjoying a winter sport. What's striking is the presentation of women engaging in such a physically active pursuit. In an age when gender roles were highly prescribed, the image of women tobogganing challenged prevailing notions of female behavior and capabilities. These cards weren’t just advertisements, but also cultural artifacts. They offer insights into how women navigated societal expectations while embracing new freedoms and experiences. This card might seem like a simple advertisement, but it encapsulates a moment of shifting gender dynamics and the emotional resonance of breaking free from convention.