Mr brother-in-law in Arkansas sent me a string of old color commercials featuring cigarettes and smoking. Any one my age would know most every ad, whether you ever smoked or not. We did not have TV but all the magazines, newspapers, billboards, etc. featured these familiar commercials, each with their clever "catch words". (LSMFT; Lucky Strike Means Fine Tobacco).
Popular stars, and persons of prominence, were especially sought. One ad said: "More doctors smoke.......than any other cigarette.". Wonder how they ever took that poll? There is a handsome picture of movie star, Ronald Reagan, promoting his brand. Another features John Wayne and his cigarette of choice. Who saw these advertisements? Everyone! When I was in the service and on maneuvers we would receive a canned pack of food and necessities. There was always a small pack of cigarettes in there. It was usually Camels or Lucky Strike. Cigarettes could be bought at the PX for fifteen cents a pack. They were probably given by the companies for the publicity. It is interesting that although that product has paid through the nose, and now has to make written statements of the dangers, it is still around and even seems that more folks are smoking again. I wonder what those doctors would say today? Cough! Cough!
