Happy New Year, from the New Years 1890 series (N227) issued by Kinney Bros. 1889 - 1890

This New Year greeting card was made around 1890 by Kinney Bros. Tobacco Company. These cards were often included in cigarette packs as a collectible item, offering a small colorful image for consumers. At the time this card was made, tobacco companies were becoming increasingly involved in marketing and advertising as they sought to expand their reach and influence on the American public. The imagery on the card of a couple ice skating evokes a sense of leisure and sophistication, perhaps designed to appeal to a middle-class clientele. Note the holly branches, which function as a familiar seasonal symbol. The card's depiction of winter leisure speaks to the increasing commercialization of holidays and the use of sentimental imagery in advertising. Understanding the historical context of this card requires us to consider the social and economic forces that shaped its production and reception. We can learn more about the cultural history of tobacco, advertising, and leisure activities in the late 19th century by exploring archives of business records and marketing materials.