Card Number 307, Stetson, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-1) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

This is card number 307, Stetson, from the Actors and Actresses series, printed by Duke Sons & Co. in the United States to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes. Small cards like this were inserted into cigarette packs, capitalizing on the rising popularity of both smoking and celebrity culture at the end of the 19th century. These cards were like little windows into the world of fame and entertainment, featuring idealized images of actors, actresses, and other public figures. The commercial nature of these cards is clear, they offered a way for companies to connect their products with aspirational figures. This one presents a photograph of an actress named Stetson, posed in theatrical attire. As social historians, it’s important to look at how these images were constructed and consumed. By studying these cards and considering who made them, why, and for whom, we can gain insights into the social and economic forces that shaped popular culture. We can ask what this tells us about the changing role of women in society. And we can investigate the advertising industry to see how companies exploited popular culture for profit.