Where the hobby all started

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Posted By: scott

If any of you collectors wish to see where it all began. I can recommed a visit to the Duke Factory in North Carolina. Here's where the hobby all began. Placing cards in Cigarette packs. The first cards inserted into packs were not baseball. In fact if Washington Duke wasn't so religious there may have never been a baseball card hobby as the first group of insert cards were slightly dressed women. A local preacher sent a letter to Washinton Duke ( the father ) complaining about the livacious picture cards. The old man Duke told James ( the originator of insert cards in the USA ) to stop inserting these cards due to that letter and hence baseball cards took there place ( among other subjects). One suggestion though. Wait until the weather cools off as there's no air conditioning and @ 95 degree's and 100% humidity it can be a bit uncomfortable. Enjoy!

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Posted By: Mark Holt

Is it in Durham? Open to the public? Any displays of packaging or inserts etc.?

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Posted By: Julie Vognar

When was this exactly, and why don't I have any?

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Posted By: scott

The answer to ALL your questions is yes. In fact the museum portion shows a short film the talks about cards , packs etc.

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Posted By: scott

Julie , this all started in the 1860's - 1870's. Pick up the book called American Tobacco cards by Robert Forbes and Terence Mitchell . page 14 will help you along. Its a great book on T and N car5ds as well. That is if you don't already own it.
Regards

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Posted By: Mark Holt

Thanks for the tip Scott. I get to Durham on business 2 or 3 times per year (can't believe I never thought of looking for that factory). Next trip I'll visit and take some pix. I'll post them or send to anyone that wants copies. I should be there again in Oct.

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Posted By: Anonymous

I forgot to say I found a country auction on my trip. It was a large tobacco collection. I've listed some of the moutain I won on ebay. What a hoot. A true down home southern auction. ZZ Top style. Beards and all. I was like a fish out of water except for my check book that is.
Happy in New Jersey,
Scott