Vintage Collegiate Silk | MIT

During the early 20th century, American tobacco companies produced a wealth of Tobacco Premiums that were included free with their products. Around 1910, there was a four year "window" when the focus of the material was on American Colleges and Universities. The Richmond Straight tobacco company in Richmond, Virginia, (now Phillip Morris) produced a series of 50 known printed silks in a series that contained the banner, seal, mascot (or appropriate symbol), yell and song. In addition, colleges and universities were included in several series of tobacco felts. Today, we are offering a small assortment of these popular Tobacco Silks. They are framed in plexiglass which allows them to be displayed standing up. These make the perfect gift for recent graduates or proud alumni. A brief description of the history of the silk is included.