Back in the 1900s, cigarette manufactures used to insert stiffening cards into their paper cigarette packs to add strength and help them last longer. Along the way, someone had the bright idea of printing trivia, artwork and even famous people and athletes (Honus Wagner anyone?) onto the stiffening cards.
In the early 20th Century, Gallaher’s Cigarettes printed a special series of 100 “How to do it” cards that included some truly useful and helpful tips for everyday situations and problems. The entire 100 card collection is part of the New York Public Library’s George Arents Collection and was recently digitized.
Below you will find 40 of the Sifter’s personal favorites. Visit the NYPL Digital Collections to see them all.
1. How to Extract a Splinter
George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library
2. How to Light a Match in the Wind
George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library
3. How to Tell the Points of the Compass with a Watch
George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library
4. How To Treat Sprains
George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library
5. How To Make a Fire Extinguisher
George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library
6. How To Carry a Heavy Jug
George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library
7. A Hint When Boiling Potatoes
George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library
8. How To Kill a Tree Stump
George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library
9. How To Make Corks Fit
George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library
10. How To Pull Out Long Nails
George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library
11. How To Measure With Coins
George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library
12. How To Detect Escaping Gas
George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library
13. How To Cool Wine with Ice
George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library
14. When Boiling Cracked Eggs
George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library
15. How To Preserve Valuable Vases
George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library
16. How To Remove Sea Stains from Brown Shoes
George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library
17. How To Make a Simple Gate Latch
George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library
18. How To Clean an Oil Painting
George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library
19. How To Test Butter
George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library
20. How To Draw a Circle Without a Compass
George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library
21. How To Clean Real Lace
George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library
22. How To Revive Cut Flowers
George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library
23. How To Judge the Freshness of a Lobster
George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library
24. How To Make a Water Fountain for Chicks
George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library
25. How To Treat Squeaky Boots
George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library
26. How To Adjust a Door
George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library
27. How To Cut New Bread Into Thin Slices
George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library
28. How To Remove a Stuck Glass Stopper
George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library
29. How To Detect Dampness in Beds
George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library
30. How To Draw an Ellipse with String
George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library
31. How To Pick Up Broken Glass
George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library
32. How To Stop a Runaway Horse
George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library
33. How To Clean New Boots
George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library
34. How To Remove a Tight Ring from the Finger
George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library
35. How To Keep a Paint Brush Handle Clean
George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library
36. How To Take Ink Stains Out a Handkerchief
George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library
37. How To Fit a Large Candle
George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library
38. How To Clean Bottles
George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library
39. Three Useful Knots
George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library
40. How To Separate Glass Tumblers
George Arents Collection, The New York Public Library