Where I grew up, the only men who smoked cigars were the distinguished, respected, wise old owls. That might be the origin of the name of the cigar.
I have no photos of my father’s father he’s not smoking a cigar. What brand I have no idea.
As has been noted, machine made cigars were 100% tobacco until the invention of homegenized tobacco leaf. Even now the more expensive American cigars only have an HTL binder.
Until 1962 the more expensive brands of American cigars were made of “clear Havana” imported leaf.
All of those men who smoked cigars were outstanding members of the community. They sat on the school boards, owned the businesses, were on city and county boards and offices, were in the legislature, and we looked up to them, and they all wore nice, conventional hats of the current style. Their suits were all soft and tailored, their watches gleamed, and their shoes shined. They drove Lincolns, Cadillacs, Buicks, Oldsmobiles, and Chryslers.
One thing all held in common was a passion for education, and progress.
Which, are about the same, when you think about it.