Collecting Cards as a Kid in 1889

[Lucas00]

Originally Posted by Joe_G.

I've found other articles about our early baseball cards, not all with happy endings. Here is another from 1887, third paragraph mentions the baseball pictures (likely Old Judge cards). Children buying and smoking cigarettes was a widespread issue that would be addressed over the ensuing years with legislation at city, state, and eventually Federal level.

By all accounts, collecting these early cigarette inserts was immediate, primarily by the boys and those assembling scrap books (often adult females - with a stronger interest in the actress and many other non-sport subjects).

Another great read! Thanks for sharing.

Everyone’s always been told it wasn’t until the 60s or 70s that cigarettes were found out to have severe consequences. But even in the early days some people definitely knew.

Here’s a few Magic lantern slides On ebay from the 20s or 30s I thought were really cool. I’m not sure if these are official quotes or if a teacher made them up.