“Before Television” is a feature that shares the Courtenay and District Museum collection with readers while at the same time highlighting the ingenuity and creativity of people as they added beauty and personal style to items from their home and work life.

This month’s item is a natty cigarette and make-up case from the 1920s featuring a needlepoint design. The case opens into several compartments: mirror, loose face powder, puff, and holder for seven cigarettes. With lipstick clamped firmly to the top, just grab this compact little number and you were ready to go.