Charles H. Jones, Jacksonville Times Union, from the American Editors series (N1) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1887

This is Charles H. Jones, Jacksonville Times Union, from the American Editors series made by Allen & Ginter. It is a lithograph on paper. These cards were inserted into cigarette packs and offer a glimpse into the values and aspirations of the late 19th century. In many ways, these cards were trading cards, similar to baseball cards. The American Editors series celebrated figures in journalism, a field experiencing rapid growth and transformation during this period. Charles H. Jones was a prominent editor during a pivotal time in American history, a period marked by Reconstruction, industrialization, and shifting social norms. As an editor in the South, Jones navigated the complexities of post-Civil War identity, and the resurgence of racial tensions. These cards, while seemingly innocuous, participated in the construction of celebrity and the dissemination of cultural values. They prompt us to consider the role of media in shaping public opinion and the ways in which historical figures are remembered and celebrated.