The West Indies Cigar Company: A Forgotten Legacy
- Veronica Carr
- 7 days ago
- 1 min read
We've got a smokin' hot post for you today (Veronica had to put this pun in).
If you are a cigar conniseur, then you might be familiar with #JCNewman, #DutchMasters, or #HaveATampa... but we know you've never heard of the West Indies Cigar Company.
This Black owned cigar company was headed by #CarlosValle, who was born in #PuertoRico. Valle initially formed the company pre 1920 in #NewYork, before moving his factory to #GreensboroNC, and finally to the #HaytiDistrict in #RaleighNC. By 1921, the company has sold 344 shares in the to shareholders in #WilmingtonNC; #NewBernNC; WilsonNC; and #RockyMountNC.
More information on the West Indies Cigar Company will be included in my forthcoming book, Artifactual Journey of Black North Carolina (Blair Publishing, Durham, NC).
P.S. We're actively seeking any stock certificates from the West Indies Cigar Company.
Courtesy of Nanny Jack & Co Archives
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