A Building Lot, from the Jokes series (N87) for Duke brand cigarettes 1890

"A Building Lot" is a humorous, illustrated trade card from the *Jokes series* for Duke brand cigarettes, published in 1890. This card features a comical depiction of a beaver carrying a stack of bricks on its back, a playful allusion to the animal's industriousness. The card was produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. and highlights the association of cigarettes with humor and entertainment, a common advertising strategy during this era. Trade cards like this were popular collectible items, often showcasing clever visuals and witty text. The *Jokes* series demonstrates the diverse ways advertising utilized visual imagery to engage audiences, particularly in the late 19th century.