Gradiaz, Annis Gold Label was one of the most popular cigar brands in the 1950’s. The Sanchez y Haya Shakespeare cigar brand came to the company by way of a 1936 aquisition of Wengler and Mandell. Wengler and Mandell had aquired Sanchez y Haya in 1934. Sanchez y Haya created the Shakespeare brand in 1872 and trademarked it in 1924. The Ruy Lopez brand, originally made by Gradiaz, Annis is now made locally, by Vincent & Tampa Cigar Co.
Cigar Brands: Gold Label, Ruy Lopez, Shakespeare
In 1963 General Cigar aquired Gradiaz, Annis & Co. At that time, Morton Annis, was President of the company.
Morton Annis revolutionized the packaging of cigars with innovations in wood, leather and ceramic containers.He also created colorful holiday packaging for Gold Label and other General Cigar brands. General Cigar continued the operation in Ybor City until 1976 when the factory was relocated to Kingston, PA.
Photo Gallery (click images for full view)
The factory is currently a U-Haul Rental and Storage facility.