The first local cigar factory was started by John N. Conger at the confluence of the Lackawaxen and Dyberry rivers between 1835 and 1840. By 1890, there were 18 different cigar manufacturers in Wayne County, several of them in Honesdale. Lorenzo Grambs was the second owner of Conger’s factory, followed by his son, George Grambs, and Albert Eberhardt. Finally, Eberhardt became the sole owner of “A. Eberhardt Tobacconist,” complete with cigar-store Indian. Other tobacconists included William H. Reichenbacher, located at 142 Main St., Honesdale, whose brands included Cuban Belle, Industrial, Commercial, Royal Puff, Yara Cheroots, Our Mutual and French Twist. By 1895, Eberhardt was producing 20,000 to 25,000 cigars a month, employing six men and two boys. His line included the Partagas, La Rose, Allen House Pride, First Trial, The Gravity and Irving Cliff. Imports eventually replaced the locally produced cigars before the 1920s. The cigar boxes shown came to the Wayne County Historical Society from the Eberhardt store.

From the collection of the Wayne County Historical Society 810 Main St., Honesdale, open Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., January through mid-April.