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Key West, Florida, circa 1900. "Packing cigars." 8x10 inch dry plate glass negative, Detroit Publishing Company. View full size.
They aren't working too hard. I am amazed by the work apparel and the quality of the photograph.
Can't you just smell the place? Cedar and tobacco. Mmmm.
These workers would be surprised to find out that the boxes they were packing them in would be selling for top dollar in the 21st century. Some of them have elaborate art work, are finely crafted of wood and have artist quality pictures both inside and out. Who knew?
Still a major tourist draw in Key West!
... that cigars are rolled on the tanned thighs of beautiful Latinas.
Love these old cigar shops and cigar factories, so interesting to see the details. I wonder how these old-fashioned cigars would compare to today's sticks, taste-wise?
Seems to be smoke wafting in front of the fellow in the left forground(with the great shirt!). He seems to have placed a burning cigar on the edge of his work table. Wonder if an occasional cigar was one of the perks these fellows got. The guy in the back seems to have helped himself too.
At first glance, I mistook the scene for an art class, with the packers as students and the boss as a model.
I need a cigarette.
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