Cigar Tube Electric Hand Printer

Datec. 1940

DimensionsOverall: 35 x 32 x 40 cm

Credit LineGift of Ms. Irene Marziali, 2006

Object number2006.008.001

Label TextWilliam Ward opened his cigar manufacturing business in 1875. This family-operated business closed in 1952. London’s cigar-making industry took off after Prime Minister John A. Macdonald introduced the National Policy in 1879. This placed duties on manufactured products, like German cigars, but not on unprocessed materials like Cuban and American tobacco. Homegrown business could produce good quality, affordable products, including cigars. Employees of the Ward Cigar factory pose outside the premises at 64 Dundas Street in this circa 1905 photograph. The industry employed some men. It also employed women and children who were far less expensive to employ. The 1921 Adolescent School Attendance Act dictated that children aged 16 and under must attend school, effectively ending child labour.

NamePrinter, Label