1915-06-08ii

There were all sorts of ways that the citizens of Hamilton could do something to support the soldiers at the front in June, 1915. Monetary donations were always welcomed, as were gifts of knitted socks and other items of clothing.

The local manager of the Bank of Montreal, joining other Bank of Montreal branches across Canada, established an additional opportunity for Hamiltonians to contribute to the soldiers, the Overseas Tobacco Fund :

“The motto is Smokes for the Soldiers. If there is one little luxury that the majority of men at the front really enjoy, it is a smoke. Nearly every letter that comes from the firing line tells of the satisfaction that has been received out of a package of cigarettes, a couple of cigars or a jimmy pipe filled with a favorite brand.”¹

¹ “Smokes for Soldiers : Local People Get Chance to Give to the Tobacco Fund”

Hamilton Spectator.   June 8, 1915.

In support of the Overseas Tobacco Fund, a Spectator reporter composed the following promotion:

“If you smoke, or even if you don’t, remember the fellow over there, after a hard day’s work, can be made happy by your subscription to the tobacco fund. Thousands of dollars have been raised all over Canada for this purpose. It is up to Hamilton to do its share.

“Leave your subscription at the Bank of Montreal office.”¹