Here are a few unused, paper tobacco pouches from the Scotten, Dillon Company that used to be in downtown Detroit. Now all that remains is the street that still bears the name of where the company used to stand.
Of Scotten-Dillon’s products, chewing tobacco was the most popular. Chewing tobacco is made by pressing cured tobacco leaves, usually in sweet molasses-based syrup, between two large tin sheets. The sheets are then cut into blocks or plugs. During the 1930s the standard plug size was 2 ¾” x 4 ½” and 1″ thick. This plug sold for a nickel or a dime, depending on the quality of the tobacco. The consumer could either cut or bite the tobacco from the plug for consumption.
I can’t remember where I got these, probably my dad or grandmother but I loved the design and typography of these. I’ll add more if I find them.