Card 663, Miss Haven, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 2) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This small card, made by Allen and Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes, dates from the late 19th century, a time when advertising ephemera offered glimpses into the culture's aspirations. The image of Miss Haven connects to a burgeoning celebrity culture, fueled by the rise of mass media. Actresses, like Miss Haven, became recognizable figures, their likenesses distributed widely through items like these cigarette cards. Made in America, this card reflects the growing commercialization of leisure and the increasing visibility of women in public life. Such cards were not simply advertisements, but also collectors' items, fostering a sense of community among smokers. The mass production and distribution of these cards speak to the growing consumer culture and the evolving relationship between commerce and identity. To fully understand this card, we might delve into theater archives, biographical sources, and advertising history, to see how it reflects the era’s social values.