The cigar industry—both manufacturing and sales—was once big business in Hillsdale County. Not only were there businesses downtown, where they were delivered by Ralph Kennedy, but "Smoke Houses" and cigar peddlers were frequent at the Hillsdale County Fair.

At the turn of the century C.A. Bail at 96 N Broad St. advertised cigar manufacturing and tobacco sales, with a barber shop (with baths!) adjoining. Such shops often sported slot machines and other gambling devices, which were eventually outlawed.

In 1907 the Perton E. Poor Cigar Factory was on Chicago Road, next to the Fort Wayne, Jackson and Saginaw Railroad in Jonesville. The retail store was on the north side of Chicago, in the middle of the business block.

Carol A. Lackey