Texas-Made Cigars

Every once in a while you run across a small business that defies time. In 1893, Henry William Finck came to San Antonio and with $1000 started his own cigar factory. Back in those days there were as many as eighteen cigar factories in San Antonio. Cigars were hand rolled from tobacco brought in from Cuba, Honduras, Brazil and the eastern states. Cigar smoking was quite popular. As the years passed cigar smoking diminished. In the 60’s, the US surgeon general declared smoking was hazardous to our health and may cause cancer. Throughout these turbulent times for smoking, the Finck Cigar Company kept on trucking along, making high quality cigars for those who enjoyed the indulgence. 

While in San Antonio, Suzanne and I decided to visit the Finck Cigar Company. First we went to the factory itself. It was a nondescript warehouse type building with the entrance next to the loading docks. The folks at the office were very cordial and allowed us to peer into the working factory. Inside, one could see various cigar rolling machines. These old cigar rolling machines are one of a kind as these machines are no longer made. The company employs a machinist to make parts for the machines as needed. This sounds like something you would find in Cuba or other third world countries that doesn’t have access to modern technology.

Now it was time to visit a retail outlet. We were not expecting such a nice looking building. Once inside, we were greeted by an enthusiastic employee who was smoking a cigar behind the counter. We told him we were novices when it came to cigars and wanted to learn all we could. He showed us around the store and answered all our questions about cigars and the company. What a nice young man! There were so many brands and types to choose from. We were shown the Smoking Room where one could enjoy a cigar with other cigar aficionados. After soaking up all this new found information, we decided to buy a box of their “Travis Club” brand. “If you’re going to live in Texas, you should buy Texas products first.” That’s my motto! With my box of cigars in hand and thanking our host, it was time to head back to our hotel.

Today, I’m waiting for a special occasion to open my box of cigars and enjoy the fruits of labor from our fellow Texans. Will it be on my birthday or some other special holiday? Or will it just be a nice cold winter evening sitting out on the back porch watching a vibrant red sun set in the western sky as we see Texas Thru My Back Door!