As the roles of American women changed in the early 1900s, so have their smoking trends. Women smoking went from being a taboo to symbolizing of feminine emancipation. Soon afterwards, advertisements geared towards their new market audience.
Of course we know today that smoking is dangerous to one’s health. However, this activity was very common in the early 20th century.
In this article, featured in November 19, 1909 The Newark Star and Newark Advertiser , Rev. Anne Howard Shaw, president of the National Women’s Suffrage Organization, mentioned that women have just as much right to smoke on the street as men.
In this article, featured in February 13, 1908 The Star and Newark Advertiser , actor Orrin Johnson mentions that women should have the right to smoke. He believes that it is nonsense that men should create refining laws for women because women are the only refining influence they have. Well said!
This article, featured in February 24, 1919 Perth Amboy Evening News , mentions how smoking done in moderation is not more harmful or morally dangerous for the woman as it is for the man.
The image above, featured in June 6, 1922 Perth Amboy Evening News, advertises a New York smoke shop for women. Now women can choose among different types of wooden or glass painted holders.
(Contributed by Kristi Chanda)