Artist/Maker Lion Match Co., Inc. (1924 - 1993)

Matchbook

1940

Place madeNew York, United States, North America

Paper, metal

Overall: 4 x 1 1/2 x 1/4 in. ( 10.2 x 3.8 x 0.6 cm )

INV.6997

In 1940, Wendell Willkie ran for President against Franklin D. Roosevelt. He lost by a considerable margin, however his effect on politics was everlasting. Almost immediately after the election, Willkie made it clear to Roosevelt that he would support the administration's war efforts, and Willkie became an outspoken opponent of Democratic and Republican leaders who wanted to return America to its pre-World War II isolationism.

DescriptionPaper matchbook; on obverse: "ELECT WILLKIE/PRESERVE/YOUR/FREEDOM/BE THANKFUL/YOUCAN STILL DO IT/CLOSE COVER BEFORE STRIKING; on reverse: "Win/with/WENDELL/WILLKIE"; inside of matchbook there is a black and white pop-up image of Willkie around head "WENDELL WILLKIE/AMERICA/NEEDS HIM/in the/WHITEHOUSE"; stars encircling his name; last row of matches replaced with stick images of different people: business man, farmer, construction worker, secretary and homemaker; "WE THE PEOPLE/WANT WILLKIE"

ClassificationsPOLITICAL MEMORABILIA