[Stinky]

Tony Hyman wrote back once more, then again stating this story was sent to CIGAR MAGAZINE. And, if you guys behave yourselves, and the editors like the story, it may show up in a future issue of CIGAR MAGAZINE. (Tony Hyman writes articles for them)

Here's his updated (and more detailed) reply:

Thank you for the kind words. I'm glad you enjoy my 'Handbook'. I wrote nearly 30 books and/or annotated catalogs and the HANDBOOK OF AMERICAN CIGAR BOXES remains my personal favorite. Everything that's in that book has been rewritten, expanded and done in full color on my Cigar History Museum website.

The cigars are R.G. DUN Palmas originally made by Deisel-Wemmer-Gilbert who also made EMMERSON, SAN FELICE, EL VERSO and BRANDSTREET. During the 50s D-W-G was the biggest cigar company in Ohio, with close to ten factories.

As I explain on my website, 1960 began a decade of radical change for me, the country, and the cigar industry, and I was not able to continue keeping up with the daily activities of the industry so I can't confirm that company still made them in 1969. R.G. Dun cellophane-wrapped Palmas sold for 26¢ in the late 50s. They were packed in cardboard boxes, as were the majority of cigars made in the U.S.

I notice that someone in the forum you were reading guessed they were "inexpensive drug store cigars." First, I want to inform the youngster who made that charge that my local drugstore carried more than 100 brands and frontmarks, including Cubans, Clear Havana from Florida and elsewhere, including cigars selling for 50¢ and $1.00 the top price in my Beverly Hills tobacconist's shop. I may not like being old enough to say "Well, sonny, back in the old days," but I am, and surprising though it may be to you and him, both Cuban and Florida Clear Havana companies offered a selection of cigars costing less than 30¢ (the cheapest name-brand Cuban cost 15¢). On May 13th, 1960, my 21st birthday, I was discharged after four years in the Navy. To celebrate, I bought a box of 25 clear Havana, aluminum tube BERING Imperials that cost only 30¢ each and were a superb smoke. Don't you wish your drugstore offered you Cuban or clear Havanas for less than a half-buck today?