Duluth-area Matchbook Collection
Perfect Duluth Day presents the Duluth Matchbook Collection — a gallery of small cardboard folders with a striking surface on one side, featuring images promoting select enterprises of the Arrowhead region.
Note: Some matchbooks that were originally in this post were removed for inclusion in other posts — including one specifically featuring Duluth bars and restaurants, another with Superior-area Restaurants and Bars.
If you’ve got one we’re missing, upload it to the comments or email it to paul @ perfectduluthday.com. Help grow the collection! And please close cover before striking.
I don’t have it any more but as a kid I used to pilfer the old Joe Cool Camel matchbooks from my dad. My favorite one said on the outside “Camel Tip #11: Never hit a man with glasses.” And inside: “Hit him with something larger and heavier instead.”
Notice that with the older match books the matches were struck on the FRONT of the book. That was back when kids didn’t need any of this sissy safety-proofing, and we burned our fingers and we LIKED it!
Jerry Thoreson found this treasure at his parent’s cabin. His mother worked at Goldfine’s by the Bridge until it closed at the end of the 1970s.
I have a huge box of cool matchbooks. I used to collect them when I was a kid. Nobody seems to give them away anymore. For sure, nobody brands their logo with them anymore. Here is my collection of local ones. Some of these businesses are still around, but they sure are not making their own matchbooks anymore.
Part Two…
My Big Box of matchbooks…
Another photo…
Holy moly! Tony Rogers, you are the champion!
Thanks, Paul! Glad you started this, and glad I had something cool to share!
Crystal Bergren scored a huge bag of matchbooks at an estate sale. The only local one was from the old Bellows restaurant on London Road, and it is the reigning champion in the Best Interior Design category.
The Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra recently got into the matchbook spirit.
A few from Patt Jackson.
Two more from Crystal Bergren: Allenfall’s and the Highland Supper Club.
Via Gary Androsky on Facebook — the Library and the Chefs — both at 1410 Tower Ave. in Superior.
Here is a nice half dozen that was recently posted on Facebook by Mike Michaels.
Hello, my family owned Green’s Crystal Terrace and I am very interested in the matchbook. Whoever has that can contact me @[email protected] if interested in selling. Many many thanks. — Dean