Panoramic Winston-Salem skyline views (1-3); two women placing tobacco leaf on a drying conveyor rack, 1961 (4); Seven women and one man de-stemming tobacco leaves by hand, undated, alongside The Reynolds headquarters building at night, circa 1950s (5); “Old Joe” of the Barnum & Bailey Circus, 1913 (6); one woman working a Camel quality control machine, April 1938, alongside two women inspecting Camels,1945 (7). | Photos courtesy of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
Opening August 16 and timed with the 150th anniversary of the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Reynolda’s newest exhibition, “Camel City: Tobacco and Transformation: 1875–1964,” offers a nuanced, in-depth exploration of Winston-Salem’s industrial rise and the people who made it possible.
Curated by Deputy Director Phil Archer and Archivist Bari Helms, the exhibition draws primarily from loans from R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, along with objects sourced from the Reynolda House Archives and Forsyth County Public Library, to trace R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company’s rise from a small red brick factory to a 20th‑century powerhouse.
History, by the numbers:
1875: The year R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company was founded in WS
1913: The year Camel cigarettes launched
4: The (very few) number of years it took for Camel to become the No. 1-selling cigarette brand in the US, capturing ~40% market share by mid‑1920s
1946: The year the ad campaign “More Doctors Smoke Camels” launched, running until the early 1950s
17,000+: The number of RJR workers during its peak employment era
Thousands: Estimated number of Black women employees
The “ad man,” explored:
Original advertisements, branding materials, and masterworks by Frederick Mizen, Edward Leigh Chase, and McClelland Barclay illustrate how tobacco companies used fine art to align their products with a polished, aspirational lifestyle. Meanwhile, archival photographs reveal the realities of factory life — both its modern efficiencies and the challenges workers faced.
Workers in the stemming room of a tobacco factory, 1938 (1); Worker Strike at R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, 1947 (2); Strikers from United Tobacco Workers Local 22 union on the picket line at Piedmont Leaf Tobacco Company, 1946 (3); Arrest of 22-year-old Margaret DeGraffenreid (4); Gwendolyn Bailey entering R.J. Reynolds High School with Velma Hopkins and Harvey Johnston during the beginning of integration for R.J. Reynolds High School, 1957 (5).
Photos courtesy of Forsyth County Public Library Photograph Collection, Winston-Salem, N.C.
Labor behind the rise:
The exhibition amplifies marginalized voices, particularly Black women, whose labor was critical to RJR’s early success. Visitors will experience a complex and thought-provoking narrative that interweaves industry, identity, labor, and social change.
Pro tip: Don’t forget a hat or umbrella to help keep the afternoon sun off. | Photo by WStoday
You just got served... with good news. The Winston-Salem Open is bringing players and visitors from all around the world from Saturday, Aug. 16-Saturday, Aug. 23, at the Wake Forest Tennis Complex (100 W. 32nd St.). Whether you choose to volunteer and get access to the tournament or want to be part of special events like College Night and Mascot Monday, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained.
Editor Kellina here. Having gone to this big tennis tournament the last two years, I highly recommend bringing a portable fan as the heat builds up throughout the day.
Enter off Deacon Boulevard to access free parking, but first — grab your ticket.
Events
Events
Monday, Aug. 11
Puzzle-Palooza | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Miller Park Community Center | Free | A little friendly competition never hurt anyone — get ready to own this puzzle game to start your week.
Tuesday, Aug. 12
Black Cowboys: Generations, Chapter 2 | 2-5 p.m. | Delta Arts Center, The People’s Gallery | Donations accepted | Step into the untold stories of Black ranchers, riders, and leaders who’ve shaped cowboy culture across the country through this cultural exhibit.
Wednesday, Aug. 13
Watercolor Art Class | 1-3 p.m. | Generations Center | Free, RSVP | Learn how to paint a beautiful butterfly in the meadow — materials will be provided. Email Susan Lewis to register.
Thursday, Aug. 14
Design-a-Tote or Mini Bookshelf | 7-9 p.m. | Byrdhouse Books, Kernersville | $40 | Sip, chat, and let the inspiration flow as you paint a cotton tote bag or a mini bookshelf with a design of your choice.
Friday, Aug. 15
End of Summer with Soul Jam | 7 p.m. | Robert Hall | $25 | Groove all night with Winston-Salem’s favorite high-energy band, enjoy tasty eats from Gianno’s, and get a free drink with your ticket purchase.
Create your own getaway at this 700+ acre ranch in the heart of Yadkin Valley wine country — just 40 minutes from Winston-Salem. This stunning estate combines family farm charm with a sportsman’s dream: three stocked fishing ponds, a fenced garden for berries and grapes, and endless room to roam. Curious what it takes to make it yours?
Coming Soon
Add this to your records — Low Five Analog Archive is slated to open Saturday, Aug. 16. Patrons can find films, vinyl records, books, and storage for their artwork at the new store located at 535 N. Trade St., next to Little Pep.
Stat
Are Gen Z cereal killers? Sales of the boxed breakfast have fallen by 13% in the US compared to 2021 — a decline attributed to changing preferences in young Americans. But who can blame them when they have local brunch options like this? (New York Post)
Trending
“Hot Girl Summer” ruled in 2019. “Brat” summer took over in 2024. Now, this summer has been dubbed “brain rot summer” — a season with no viral anthem, no clear vibe, and scattered cultural chatter. If that makes you want to unplug entirely, touch grass at a local park. (Business Insider)
Number
81. That’s how many days there are until Halloween, but you can get your phalanges on this Ultra Skelly from Home Depot right now. (Engadget)
Kids
Today marks 159 years since the first public roller skating rink opened to the US public back in 1866. Thankfully, the Twin City has a lot more options to keep the kiddos entertained these days. (WUN)
Travel
If you’ve been meaning to check the Biltmore Estate off your bucket list, consider this a sign: It was just named the top must-see attraction in North Carolina. Already been? Try a staycation at one of these unique vacation rentals. (Money Talks News)
Drink
Cold brew, but make it sparkle. This fizzy, refreshing twist on your favorite pick-me-up is the perfect sip for hot days and slow mornings. Get the recipe + refresh your day.*
Finance
Finance
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Get out and enjoy the view. | Photo by City of Winston-Salem Recreation and Parks via @ws_recreationparks
We can’t think of a better way to soak in Winston-Salem’s green space than spending some time on the links. Whether you’re looking to connect outdoors with friends or you’re honing in on the perfect swing, here are 16 golf courses to make a tee time around the Twin City.
Members only
Forsyth Country Club, 3101 Country Club Rd., Ste. B | The course started as a nine-hole layout when the club was founded in 1913. Donald Ross designed the current 18-hole course. Take a virtual course tour to imagine how you would play the greens.
Public courses
Reynolds Park Golf Course, 2391 Reynolds Park Rd. | Located close to downtown, this course has beautiful views and a mix of uphill and downhill holes.
Winston Lake Golf Course, 3535 Winston Lake Rd. | The city-owned course that was built for Black golfers in 1956 was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2023.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
It’s already August, and fall is close. The Bookhouse already has its pumpkin spice flavor out. You best believe, I made my way there over the weekend to sip on this deliciousness. The verdict? 10/10, would recommend.
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