Vintage Tobacco Saleswoman in Early 20th Century

This photograph captures Dorothy Leonard, a tobacco saleswoman, during the period from 1915 to 1920. Taken by the Bain News Service, it offers a rare glimpse into the life of women in commerce during the early 20th century. Leonard, dressed in period attire, represents a growing number of women who entered the workforce, defying traditional roles and contributing to the economic landscape of the time.

The early 1900s marked significant changes in the tobacco industry, which was booming thanks to the increased popularity of cigarette smoking following World War I. As tobacco companies expanded, they sought out salespeople who could drive their products in urban centers. Saleswomen like Leonard not only sold tobacco but also helped forge new pathways for women in retail and sales, challenging the norms of their era. This photograph stands as a historical document, highlighting the dynamic shifts in gender roles and economic participation occurring at the time. Through this image, we can appreciate the intersection of industry, gender, and societal change in a pivotal moment of American history.