Holiday Motel Matchbook, 1950-1960

During the 1930s, primitive tourist cabins and cottage courts evolved into integrated lodging units called motels. As competition between motels increased, matches and ashtrays -- imprinted with the motel's name -- were often set on the dresser to advertise that motel and to encourage guests to keep their cigarette ashes contained. Matches often served as souvenirs of the stay.