While we relax and enjoy the warmth of the flickering flames and gaze at the towering pine festooned with baubles and beads, I will tell you a story of a Christmas matchbook from long ago...
It all began with a little girl who was charmed by the cozy fireside scene on the cover and the size of it. She had never seen a matchbook so big and it held 10 large wooden matchsticks. Her father had gotten it from the bank and yes, she could have it once the adults had the chance to use all the matches inside. One by one, the matches were used and the little girl got her prize- an empty matchbook to add to her growing collection. And when she grew up, she became the KC Matchgirl. The End.
Anyway, this giant matchbook is 4 times the size of a regular matchbook. The fact that it contained wooden matches probably meant they could be used to light a fireplace, such as pictured on the cover, but alas, our home did not have one. Despite the traditional American scene on the cover, this giant was actually Made In Italy. Inside, the imprint reads "Compliments of North Kansas City State Bank". Also known as Norbank- "Let Norbank Be Your Bank", it was located in what we called downtown Northtown. Since it's Christmas time and you've got a lot to do, I'll not delve into explaining Kansas City geography. It's so cozy here I'll just put another log on the fire and stay a while longer. Thanks for stopping by!
Time frame: 1970
Matchbook dimensions: 3 1/4 X 4 1/4 inches
Business information: Norbank, 401 Armour Rd., North Kansas City, MO. Currently a Country Club Bank branch location.
