Tobacco smoking has diminished in recent decades due to the known and publicized health consequences.
However, my ancestors–and possibly yours–tended to smoke tobacco in pipes. I can imagine the scene now.
The mid-19th century farmer works hard all day. When evening chores are done he wants to relax, perhaps enjoy fine weather by sitting on the porch or stoop. I can picture him sitting on a bench, leaning against the house wall, and lighting a pipe of precious tobacco. A time to chat with his wife. Watch the fireflies dance in the yard. Or study the sky. A ritual to finish his day and clear his mind for sleep.
This collection of parlor items from the second half of the 19th century includes a very fancy pipe. This would have been stored in a safe place, not carried in a coat pocket, and used only at home.
The male characters in New Dreams, a clean & wholesome historical romance, smoke an evening pipe. They smoked at home and in taverns. Picture half a dozen men discussing newspaper articles, drinking beer, and smoking pipes.
More than pipe smoking happens in New Dreams. Follow the link to learn more about this story of Deutsch immigrants. https://amzn.to/3vWydWE
