Back in the 1900s, cigarette manufactures used to insert stiffening cards into their paper cigarette packs to add strength and help them last longer. Along the way, someone had the bright idea of printing trivia, artwork and even famous people and athletes (Honus Wagner anyone?) onto the stiffening cards.

In the early 20th Century, Gallaher’s Cigarettes printed a special series of 100 “How to do it” cards that included some truly useful and helpful tips for everyday situations and problems. The entire 100 card collection is part of the New York Public Library’s George Arents Collection and was recently digitized.

Below you will find 40 of artFido’s personal favorites. Visit the NYPL Digital Collections to see them all.

1. How to kill a tree stump 

2. How to make a simple gate latch

3. How to make corks fit

4. How to treat sprains

5. A hint when boiling potatoes

6. How to make a fire extinguisher

7. How to clean real lace

8. How to make a water fountain for chicks

9. How to adjust a door

10. How to test butter

11. How to cool wine without ice

12. How to clean oil paintings

13. How to Extract a Splinter

14. How to treat squeaky boots

15. How to remove a tight ring from the finger

16. How to carry a heavy jug

17. How to clean bottles

18. How to measure with coins

19. How to clean new boots

20. How to detect escaping gas

21. How to draw a circle without compasses

22. How to keep a paint brush handle clean

23. How to preserve valuable vases

24. How to take ink stains out of a handkerchief

25. How to remove sea stains out of brown shoes

26. How to boil cracked eggs

27. To separate glass tumblers

28. How to light a match in the wind

29. How to fit a large candle

30. How to tell the points of the compass with a watch

31. How to revive cut flowers

32. How to judge the freshness of a lobster

33. Three useful knots

34. How to stop a runaway horse

And don’t forget, if you’re looking for a piece of original art to hang on your walls, check out artFido HERE!