William Penn Nixon, The Chicago Daily Inter-Ocean, from the American Editors series (N1) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1887

This small card from an American cigarette company, Allen & Ginter, depicts William Penn Nixon, editor of the Chicago Daily Inter-Ocean. Produced in the late 19th century, this belongs to a series showcasing prominent American editors. These cards were promotional items, inserted into cigarette packs to encourage collecting and brand loyalty. The image itself, with its formal portrait style and focus on a figure of authority, reflects the importance placed on the press and its leading figures in shaping public opinion during this period. The Chicago Daily Inter-Ocean itself was a significant paper, known for its Republican stance. It also was one of the first newspapers to embrace modern printing technologies. Understanding the historical context of the media, the rise of consumer culture, and the strategies employed by businesses to capture markets are crucial to interpreting this seemingly simple image. Such investigations might involve examining newspaper archives, business records, and advertising ephemera. This helps us understand the complex relationship between commerce, media, and public life in late 19th century America.