Governor Pennoyer, Oregon, from "Governors, Arms, Etc." series (N133-1), issued by Duke Sons & Co. 1885 - 1892

This small card featuring Oregon Governor Pennoyer is from the "Governors, Arms, Etc." series, created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. between 1870 and 1920. These cards were originally included in packages of Duke's "Honest Long Cut" tobacco, acting as both advertising and collectibles. Consider for a moment the cultural and social context of this piece. Tobacco companies were not only selling a product, but also carefully curating images of leadership and patriotism, intended to appeal to consumers. Here, Pennoyer is framed between the state’s coat of arms and a picturesque scene of Mount Hood, symbolizing Oregon’s natural beauty and, perhaps, its economic potential. Pennoyer’s political stance at the time, which included challenging federal authority, is also reflected in the imagery of state sovereignty. This card invites us to reflect on the connections between commerce, power, and identity in America during the late 19th century. It prompts us to think about how these small, everyday objects played a role in shaping perceptions of leadership and place.