1862 to 1877.

PRELUDE:
        Farmers experimented using Cuban seed to grow cigar-grade tobacco in both Maryland and Connecticut before the Revolutionary War. After the War, the new U.S. Government supported the expansion of population, agriculture and tobacco. As cigar tobacco culture succeeded, small, often one-man, factories followed,  able to relocate thanks to ever-expanding new roads, railroads and canals. Aided in no small part by the fact that an entire cigar factory could fit in one carry-on bag, with room to spare. And if it got lost, the necessary tools could be replaced for two or three dollars, a week’s wages for a soldier or laborer.

        If a cluster of factories developed, they were soon supported by box makers, wholesalers and distributors. If cigar rollers didn’t set up shop fast enough, towns would advertise in cigar-country newspapers asking a cigar maker (factory) to take up residence.  By the Civil War, the variety and volume of good cigar leaf was increasing in NY, PA, OH, CT, MA, MD, and IL. The small FL crop was usually used locally. The outlook was justifiably good and production grew in all locations during the next half century.

        The estimates of  how many domestic cigar factories were operating before the Civil War vary, but a conservative estimate made in 1860 says there were at least 1,478 cigar factories and 8,000 people employed nationwide, 9% of whom were women. The number 5,000 has also been put forth as more accurate. What does 1860 matter?

        1860-1870 is the decade the American Cigar Industry was “born” when in 1863 the Federal Government began making the ground rules for cigar makers: quantities of tobacco, type of boxes, number of cigars in packages, notices, warnings, taxes and tax stamps, signs, moving tobacco, selling tobacco, licenses, employee bonds...the rules of the game-business. Alert readers may have noticed the absence of rules governing quality, selling to children, or truth in advertising.

It’s that “anything goes advertising” that makes this industry so fascinating.

        The 1870s see the development of the label printing industries, the use of tin for cigar boxes, and one major improvement in box design.

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1860  US annual cigar consumption rises to 26 per person.

1860  Machinery for making cigars advertised in popular art magazine. Have ad

1860's  Some reports claim the wooden cigar mold that revolutionized the industry was invented in England. British cigar makers widely adopt the cigar mould. Some reports say it was invented there.

1860's  Difficulty in identifying a cigar once out of the box, British cigar makers began pasting various shapes and colors of stickers called 'tickets' on cigars. Customer complaints about damaged wrapper led to the adoption of 'rings' called ‘bands’ today.

1860  Francis Asbury starts NYC business making fancy glass cigar boxes and signs. Have ad

1860  As much cigar leaf grown in Ohio (almost 5 million pounds) as in Pennsylvania and New England. 

1860  Cincinnati was 4th leading cigar producing city, behind Philadelphia, New York and Baltimore.

1860  Rohde & Co. established as cigar maker at 55 West Canal, Cincinnati. Still operating in 1930 at 114 East 2nd.  CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

1860  In Chicago, on the edge of the wild west, more than 224 cigar factories are in operation.

1860  Gromanes & Ullrich established in Chicago as importers of Havana cigars and tobacco and dealers in clear Havanas and domestic cigars.

1860  John G. Root establishes  factory in Reamstown, PA. Later makes JOHN BROWN  cigars with the slogan “As his soul goes marching on.”

1860  Lewis Osterweis & Sons founded in  New Haven, CT. Lasts until 1954.

1860  Theobald & Oppenheimer founded in Philadelphia.

1860  Pedro Murias creates LA MERIDIANA in Havana.

1860  Schmidt & Storm (forerunner of Straiton & Storm 1863) founded in NYC. The box for their brand

CUCKOO claims 1861.

1860  Bottomly & Co. begin cigar manufacture in Halifax, England.

1860  Wages for carpenters and masons was 65¢ a day; a day was sunrise to sunset.

1860  The TOBACCO TRADE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION established in London “for the relief of aged and necessitous members of the trade, their widows and orphans.”  Ad in Cigar & Tobacco World

1860  The U.S. imports 300,000,000 cigars from the city of Bremen. Bremen imported 42,000 pounds of low grade tobacco from the U.S.

1863  US Government requires tax stamp on every bundle or box of cigars and issues blank stamps to  be filled in by tax inspectors. See Dating boxes for pictures of all tax stamp issues.

1863  US Government collects $xxxxx in cigar taxes to help the war cause.

1863  US Dept. Agriculture sponsors successful experimental plantings of cigar tobacco in Illinois.

1863  Home delivery of mail begins with 450 carriers, many of whom are Civil War vets.

1863  Cigar industry makes life miserable for tax inspectors. Taxes collected on 200,000,000 cigars.

1863  Straiton & Storm, one of nation’s most important cigar companies, founded, introduces ROB'T BURNS and eventually OWL., Numerous examples of S & S boxes, pictures of factories

1863  Samuel Davis, Canada’s largest and most prolific cigar factory, founded in Montreal. Various boxes: FRONTIER, MUNGOES, CABLE, etc.

1863  Henry Jacobs & Co. of Montreal honors Civil Warrior STONEWALL JACKSON by naming a cigar brand after him. The brand becomes one of Canada’s biggest sellers for more than half a century.

1863  F.X. Smith, founded in McSherrystown, PA  (still operating 2010).  photo.

1863  The John C. Groub Co. establishes family wholesale grocery business in Seymour, Indiana, maker of Belle Brand products and seller of  BILTRITE cigars. Family business for 60 years.  Letterhead

1864  US Government issues five colorful new tax stamps based on a cigar’s retail selling price. Cigarettes added to the tax laws, but not important enough to print special stamps for.

1864  Canadian Government requires tax stamps on cigar boxes, issuing square, strip and diamond shaped excise and customs stamps. See Dating Canadian Boxes for more detail.

1864  Cigar industry continues to make life miserable for tax inspectors.

1864  US tax officials admit cigar tax laws are confusing and cannot be interpreted or enforced as written. Have official admission in letter.

1864± Invention of the steam press made color label lithography economical for the first time. Cubans first to adopt it. See exhibit of early labels produced on first steam presses <here>.

1864  D.S. Erb begins making cigars in Boyertown, PA, during the Civil War. All cigars were "goods sold to jobbers only."  5,000 EL PLANTADOR sold for $265 in 1893 (5.3¢ each means they probably retailed for 2/15¢). Expands successfully and lasts 75+ years, still operating in 1930s.  Have billheads depicting two versions of his factory.

1864  Cigar holder patented that had a removable sponge to add flavoring to cigars.

1864  Thomas Calvert forms important label lithographic establishment in Detroit. Made 2000 impressions per 10 hour day on hand presses.

1864  Cigar Maker’s National Union of the United States founded, the “first constructive, efficient, American trade union.” The first President of the Union, Andrew Zeitler of Albany, NY,, was later killed in Civil War action.  Numerous artifacts.

1864  Patent granted to W.E. Gedge, England, which he assigned to Neath Tin Plate Decorating Co., which described a method of direct printing on tin. Direct printing was difficult because of registration and adherence problems.

1864  John C. Herman & Co. begins making cigars in Harrisburg, PA. Still in business in 1930, operating multiple factories.

1864  Jaime Partagas shot and killed on his plantation. Son José  failed in attempted to run business. Sold out to José Bances after a few decades. Date of shooting variously reported as 1868.

1864  First crop of tobacco grown in Sumatra. Made big impact in U.S. after 1876 Centennial.

1864  An Ohio tobacco planter developed a strain called “white burley” with cream colored midrib and pale green leaves. It rapidly replaced Red Burley, from which it was developed, in fine-cut chewing tobacco and for plug. It later becomes exceedingly important in the cigarette industry.

1864  Cigar and snuff factory established in Valkenswaard, Netherlands, by the three van Best Brothers, sons of Jan van Best who inherited the sum of 24,000 guilders in 1845.

1864  Weenen Cohen & Co. begin making cigars on Commercial Road in London, England.

1864  TOBACCO LEAF magazine founded. Important trade journal lasts for a century. Various copies.

1865  US Government completely reforms cigar tax laws, requires all cigars to be packed in boxes of 25, 50, 100, 250 or 500 and issues new denominational stamps for a brief time picturing recently assassinated President Lincoln and printed funeral black (except the yellow-green 500).

1865  HOYO de MONTERREY cigars are introduced by Jose Gener, long time Vuelta Abajo grower.

1865  MONTE CRISTO cigars begin production in Havana.

1865  Bethesda Cigar Co. established in Bethesda, Ohio. Made BLACK BALL cigars for 40+ years.

1865  John B. Adt goes into business in Baltimore as maker of ADT tobacco preparation machinery of every type for the manufacture of cigarettes, cigars, smoking tobacco, chewing tobacco and snuff: dryers, coolers, cutters, separators, rollers, combs, packers, etc.

1865  Virginia leads other states by replacing the hogshead inspection system of tobacco marketing with the loose-leaf auction system for selling cigarette, snuff, and chewing tobaccos. It doesn’t become universal in the United States until 1939.

1865  First cigarette factory opens in the U.S. in New York City. Staffed primarily by immigrants from Poland, Greece and Turkey, they made Russian style “Turkish” cigarettes for other immigrants. Each roller could make about 3,000 long “clumsy” smokes a day, a total of about 20,000,000 this year.

1865  Estimates say that half the cigars produced in America were made and sold by tax evaders. That closely parallels the situation in Cuba.

1866  US Government issues colorful redesigned tax stamps in 25, 50, 100, 250 and 500 denominations. Orders all cigars to be packed in boxes containing those quantities.

1866  Ordinary domestic cigars sell for 5¢ or six for 25¢. they are sold at “cheap refreshment stalls, lager beer saloons, and low groceries.” The more pretentious domestic cigars are made of the best domestic tobaccos carefully handled, perhaps with a little Havana added. These sell for 10¢. Next are those made of Havana filler wrapped in Connecticut wrapper. they sell for 10¢ to 15¢. All havana cigars made here sell for 15¢ to 50¢ and are as good as those made in Cuba.  Cuban cigars can be found as cheap as 15¢, but good ones cost 25¢ to $1.00. These same prices would be in effect a century later.

1866  Justin Seubert establishes Optimate Cigar Factory, makers of OPTIMATES, PICKWICK CLUB, COMMERCIAL TRAVELER’S ASSOCIATION, CONCHA SUNSHINE, LA PERFECCION, etc., in Syracuse, New York.

1866  The Pamperin Cigar Co., Makers of high quality cigars is established in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. Brands include MONNA VANNA, FLOR DE P & W, LA PREVALIDAD, LA ROVA, BLACK ROSE, PAMPERO, BENCH ROLLS,  and BILLY BAXTER.

1866  Albert Thalheimer cigar box manufacturer, lumber mill, and tool dealer established in Reading, PA.

Turn of the century ad reads: “Box and cigar factories fully equipped at short notice.”

1866  William Tigner, cigar maker and wholesaler opens in Lima, OH.

1866  Theodore Slater established cigar factory in Washington, PA. Succeeded by his son John in 1879, claims to be the first maker of stogies in Lancaster, PA. Brands include: CUBAN EXPORT, NEW ARRIVAL, LANCASTER BELLE, JERSEY CHARTER, BIG HIT, CASTELLO, SLATER’S BIG STOGIES, ROYAL BLUE LINE, GOOD POINTS, CYCLONE, CAPITOL, BROWNIES, BLENDED SMOKE, GOLD NUGGETS, BOSS STOGIES, EVERY DAY SMOKE, LITTLE DUTCH BLUE POINTS. Capacity of 70,000 per day. Gold medal winner at 1904 St. Louis Exposition.

1866  J. Switzer opens wholesale operations in Helena, Montana. His letterhead reports he was a ”Wholesale & retail dealer in foreign & domestic wines, liquors, cigars, bar-glassware, etc. Straight Kentucky Whiskeys a Specialty.” Letterhead w/building

1866  Hicks, Elliott & Shroyer wholesalers founded in Logansport, Indiana. Many name changes later (1871, 1879, 1891, 1897), still operating in 1899 as The J.T. Elliott Co.  letterhead

1866  J. Lyons opens shop at 617 Myrtle Ave, between Kent and Franklin, in Brooklyn as manufacturer and dealer in cigars, smoking tobacco, chewing tobacco and snuff. Advertised “Cut plug a specialty” cut “while you wait” @ 15¢ and 20¢ a quarter pound.

1866  Hayner Cigar Manufacturing Co. founded according to 1920 flyer, but the company is not listed in 1886 directories for Dayton, Toledo, Washington, Boston, St. Louis, Kansas City, St. Paul, Indianapolis, Jacksonville or New Orleans, towns where the company had mailboxes.

1866  Jack Daniels opens a distillery in Tennessee. Many cigar smokers ultimately approve.

1866  Watters, Westbrook and Co. Ltd., wholesale tobacco Merchants, established in Stockport, England. Known in the 1900’s for distinctively painted blue and yellow delivery vans.

1867  Canadian Government issues slightly redesigned excise and customs stamps.

1867  The Cigar Maker’s National Union of the United States admits Canadian locals and changes its name to Cigar Makers international Union.

1867  G.W. Boyer, goes into cigar business in New Haven.  (the STANDARD box)

1867  Alexander Gordon goes into the cigar making business in Detroit.

1867  The Frings Brothers go into the cigar making business..

1867  William K. Gresh moves his cigar factory from Centre Point to Perkiomen, PA.

1867  SANCHEZ y HAYA cigar brand created.  Many examples.

1867 E. Regensburg, maker of THE AMERICAN cigar begins making cigars in New York City.

1867  Gradiaz, Annis creates GOLD LABEL brand cigars.

1867  The Great American Cigar Co. advertised "All cigars are labeled [banded] with the company's trademark and money orders are issued, varying from $2 to $50 on the inside of labels of a certain portion of the cigars which will be cashed by the treasurer of  the company in presentation at their office" Factory & Salesroom   No. 24   Broadway St. Corner Church NYC.” Given that cigars cost from $1 to $15 a box during that decade, they couldn’t afford too many prize winners.

1867  M. Van Oestren begins cigar production on Commercial Street in London, England.

1867  Carl Intelmann Ald-Ges, maker of cigar moulds, founded in The Netherlands [?].

1867  Illingworths Snuffs Ltd. founded in Kendal, England. Maker of Dr. Rumney’s mentholyptus and other snuffs. Bought out by Imperial Tobacco in 1984.

1868  US Government issues colorful redesigned tax stamps in 25, 50, 100, 250 and 500.

1868  US Government requires to be printed on all cigar boxes the name of factory owner, state and tax district in which the cigars were made and the number of cigars in the box  (‘factory ID’). For regulations and examples, go <here>.

1868  US Government requires “Caution Notices” pasted on boxes forbidding re-use of the box and stamp. For regulations and examples, go <here>.

1868  US Government issues and begins requiring tax stamps on boxes of 500 cigarettes. Small consumer-size packages not yet permitted.

1868  US Government establishes 8 hour day for government workers.

1868  Canadian Government issues new series of excise and customs stamps, similarly shaped. These were used until 1880.

1868  The E. Griswold & Co. (Fact. 7 and Fact. 21, 1st Dist New York) was established as a manufacturer of fine cigars and wholesale dealers in confectionery. In 1912 their leading cigars were El Fieto 10¢, Diploma 10¢,East Texas 5¢, Mutual Benefit 5¢, and Junior Diploma 5¢.

1868  Christian Swartz begins making cigars in Norwalk, CT. Dies in 1932.

1868  A. Hussey Leaf Tobacco Co. founded (NY, Chicago, Philadelphia, St. Louis).

1868  Louis Kuttnauer, packer and importer of Havana and leaf tobacco, opens in Detroit.

1868  Weil & Co., New York City packers and importers of Havana tobacco, register W&C trademark. Their ads guarantee tobacco with “no guano is used.” Use of natural fertilizers was controversial.

1868  Bush, Miller & Co. "manufacturers & wholesale dealers in Tobacco, Snuff & Segars" operated in Philadelphia 408 North Third Street, above Callowhill.

1868  On July 22, The Journeyman Cigar Makers’ Protective Union was organized in St. Paul, MN. Its motto was “unity among men, and fidelity to employers.”  That’s the entire story. If you know more, please share.

1868  Smoking cars established on British trains by law.

1868  First tins appear in England printed with lithographic transfer process under the Benjamin George patent. Many early tins marked with his patent number. George worked tirelessly to improve his process in terms of both quality and cost.

1868  Edward Norton begins manufacturing tin cans in the U.S. The Norton Bros. ultimately became the driving force behind the consolidation of small makers into The American Can Co.

1868  Devastating ten-year-long war begins in Cuba.

1868  First MACANUDO rolled in the Caribbean.

1869  US Government issues colorful redesigned 1869 tax stamps in 25, 50, 100, 250 and 500 denominations.  See Dating cigar tax stamps

1869  Little Dutch type cigar tobacco successfully developed in Ohio from seed introduced from Germany.

1869  CMIU offers temporary amnesty to allow mould workers into the CMIU. Strategy largely fails and the Union continues its battle against moulds and the people who use them.

1869  Klauber Wangenheim Co., important long-lived regional wholesalers, established in California.

1869  Juan F. Portuondo starts business as an importer of Cuban tobacco and maker of clear-Havana cigars in Philadelphia.  Incorporated in 1893, in business for 50+ years. Celebrates 50th anniversary with a gold-orange tin can.  letterhead, can, boxes, signs, ad, other

1869  Martinez Ybor moves EL PRINCIPE DE GALES factory to Key West, Florida, from Havana to escape the war.

1869  Jul(ius?) Pepperberg founds Pepperberg Segar Co. in Plattsmouth, Nebraska; still making cigars in the late 1920’s, gone by 1936. boxes CT

1869  Hannan Brothers established in Pittsburgh, PA, as manufacturer of stogies and cigars. Maker of “Brockmeyer Famous Stogies.”

1869  S. Seiberlich & Son begins manufacture of WINNER and ALGOA cigars at the corner of 4th and Jefferson Streets in Philadelphia.

1869  H.A. Klene founds cigar factory at 127 Fourth St. in Quincy, Illinois  EXPOSITION

1869  Theodore Schumacher and Louis Ettlinger start one of the nation’s more important cigar label companies in New York City. (1869-1892).

1869  Eavey Bros. establish a wholesale business on Main Street in Xenia, Ohio. In 1896, the firm is led by H.H. Eavey, W.E. Eavey and J.W. Eavey.  Letterhead

1969  Louis P. Sutter founds leaf tobacco company which lasts more than half a century, ultimately with offices in New York, Chicago, St. Louis, Havana and Amsterdam. Later becomes L.P. Sutter & Bros., Inc.

1869  Somers Bros., ultimately one of the industry leaders, begins tin box manufacture.

1869  Charles and Ernest Wulff found Wulff Litho.

1869±  McDowell & Co., established in Madras, India, as manufacturer of high quality Indian cigars including Trichinopoly, Dawsons, cheroots, Bahadur (old style), and Sumatra rattails.

1869  Reported cigarette manufacture in the US dropped from 20,000,000 in 1865 to 1,750,000 in 1869. This was due, according to the industry, to high unit cost, imperfect production, and wavering consumer interest. The industry report didn’t include under-reporting (tax evasion) in the face of new higher taxes and the requirement, starting in 1868, to apply tax stamps.

1869  First newspaper half-tone photograph printed (in Canadian Illustrated News) October, 1869.

1870  US Government allows tin to be used for cigar boxes.

1870  Connecticut seedleaf is developed sometime in the 1870’s, tho by whom is unrecorded. This is the 2nd of three important Connecticut cigar tobaccos. Continued experimentation sponsored by both federal and state governments soon led to better quality cigar tobacco growing in MA, NY, PA, MD, OH and WI.

1870  World’s biggest mould and tool makers Miller, DuBrul & Peters Mfg. Co. founded in Cincinnati. Eventually offers more than 2,000 different sizes and shapes of cigar mould. 

1870  L.L. Bedortha founded in Windsor, CT, as manufacturer of cigar maker’s tools (boards, tuck cutters, Cuban blades and knives. Have selection of small catalogs, ads, and letters (mostly complaints).

1870  S.R. Kocher, maker of NABOBS, QUAKER, VOLITTA and “special brands for reliable jobbers” founded in Factory 79, 9th District, Wrightsville, PA.

1870  Approximately 13.9 million cigarettes were smoked annually in the United States, or one-third of a cigarette per person. By 1930 consumption rose to 977 per person.

1870  W.G. Dunnington founds the Dunnington Tobacco Co. to buy, sell and export leaf tobacco from Farmville, Virginia.

1870  D. Ferbstein establishes business in Akron,Ohio, as wholesaler and dealer in cigars, cigarettes, tobacco and smoker’s articles. H. Ferbstein succeeds him by the late 1890s.

1870  MacAndrews & Forbes Co., maker of Oriental and Spanish licorice paste, powder, and extract, established in Camden, NJ.

1870  Number of lithographers listed in 1870 New York City Directory?  Answer: Eighty-one.

1870  Detroit Litho Co. founded. Operates  into the 1970’s.

1871  Carl Upmann establishes cigar factory in Key West. Later adds NYC factory.

1872  Otto Kiekebusch (Kickabush in some Gov’t records) opened cigar and tobacco wholesale and retail business at 499 Main Street in Buffalo, NY.

1872 The Missouri Meerschaum Company, maker of corn-cob pipes, is founded in Washington, MO..

1872  Suffragette Susan B. Anthony arrested for attempting to vote. Fined $100. The NCM has four different cigar boxes from the early 1870’s alluding to women’s rights and the 16th amendment (which wouldn’t pass for another half century).

1873  Fiscal Depression in U.S. begins, lasts three years.

1873  Starlight Bros’ Havana Cigar Factory, maker of LA ROSA DE PARIS cigars, established in Havana and NYC. Still in business in 1918 at the corner of Pearl and Pine in NYC.

1873  George E. Stock goes into business as a cigar manufacturer and dealer in chewing and smoking tobacco, pipes, etc. at 9 Baltimore St. in Gettysburg, PA.

1874  G. Pflaum established in Minneapolis as manufacturer and wholesaler of cigars. Later adds “& Sons“ (who are Samuel, Max & Morris in 1910).

1874  Alles & Fisher, an important Boston cigar maker, added a “pretentious” bronze Indian in front of their factory. When the building was torn down in 1918, the rare bronze figure ended up with American Tobacco.

1875  The Hilson Company, who becomes one of the giants, established at 1st Avenue and 39th Street in New York City. Maker of Hoffman House Bouquet and many other brands.

1875  La Reclama Cuban Factory established at 1895 First Ave. in New York City. In 1906 LA RECLAMA was made in 24 sizes/shapes and could be ordered in four different packagings. Other brands of cigars and cigarettes were also manufactured.

1875  Wm. Deiches & Co. founded at 3 South Howard St. in Baltimore, MD. In 1906 the company employed William Deiches, Milton Deiches, Herbert Deiches and William H. Deiches and operated as wholesale dealers in tobacco and cigars.  Have letterhead with factory illus.

1875  Ashland Cigar & Tobacco Co., manufacturer of Spanish hand made cigars, opens in Ashland, Wisconsin. Maker of EUREKA FAVORITE, GREEN VEST and CARL’S CHOICE.

1875  Henry Simon started H. Simon CC in Montreal, one of Canada’s largest and longest-lived cigar concerns. Later named H. Simon & Sons, Ltd.; later named Simon Cigar Company Ltd. It was sold In 1958 to Consolidated Cigar Corp.

1875  L.F. Grammes (later: and Sons) went into business in Allentown, PA, making cigar and cigar box machinery. Created Wizard hinges for pyrography boxes.  Have 1894 machine catalog [23090]

1875  George Zorn & Co., importers and manufacturers of pipes, matches, novelties and smokers’ articles in general, opens for business in Philadelphia.  Have 160 page reprint of 1892 Zorn catalog.

1875  William E. Updegrove & Gedney organized in the lumber business. Gedney retired 4 years later, ans two years after that brother Jerome P. joined and the firm became William E. Updegrove & Bro.

1876  United States’ 100th Birthday celebrated. Three dozen tobacco and cigar companies exhibited at the Centennial. I’d like to know who they were...???

1876  The Dutch introduced Sumatran tobacco to various New York and Philadelphia companies, who were immediately hooked.  Sumatran was so thin and so elastic that two pounds would wrap 1,000 cigars when it took five to ten pounds of Connecticut wrapper to do the same.

1876  J.S. Koch begins making cigars in Lehighten, PA. His Factory 264, 12th Dist. employed 15 rollers.

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