How New York City Became the Heart of the Tobacco Industry
…and Anti Smoking Activism
The Ubiquitous Advertising of Tobacco Products on New York City’s Transit System (0:14)
Throughout the 20th century, cigarettes were not only among the leading products advertised on billboards throughout the city, but also on city-licensed busses and buss shelters, taxicabs, subway entrances, station platforms, and cars.
Bus shelter Kent Golden Lights
Kent Golden Lights ad on a New York City bus shelter
The New York Times
February 1, 1978
Subway station Virginia Slims ad: “You’ve come a long way, baby.”
Photograph by Alan Blum, MD, of Leon Blum beside Virginia Slims ad on sign in a New York City subway station
1985
Subway car Ritz ad: “The new cigarette by Yves Saint Laurent”
Photograph by Alan Blum, MD, of Leon Blum in a New Yark City subway car
1985
Child playing by cigarette ad at LaGuardia Airport, (0:21)
Video
Alan Blum, MD
1995
New York City street scene (0:33)
Camel advertisement above a subway station entrance; taxi with Marlboro advertisement,
1995
LaGuardia Airport cigarette ads and no-smoking sign, 1995 (0:25)
Video
Alan Blum, MD
1995
Subway entrance sign with Winston ad: “Real people want real taste.”
Photograph by Alan Blum, MD, of an entrance to 42nd Street subway station, New York City
1988
Moving billboard with Magna ad: “New York Has MAGNA TUDE.”
Photograph by Alan Blum, MD, of a moving billboard in New York City
1988
Parking garage entrance sign: “You’ve got Merit”
Photograph by Alan Blum, MD, of a New York City parking garage
1995
