Vintage WGAR Cleveland Radio \"Free Speech Mike\" Feature Matchbook - Unstruck For Sale

This vintage, feature, 20-stick matchbook advertises WGAR 1220 AM Radio out of Cleveland, Ohio.The cover piece features the iconic, patriotic \"Free Speech Mike\" running mascot on the front cover alongside the classic slogan \"More Power For You In Cleveland.\" This specific marketing campaign directly celebrates WGAR’s historic power boost to 50,000 watts, which occurred on July 4, 1947, allowing the station to broadcast its signal across Northeast Ohio and far beyond. Founded in 1930 and famously known as \"Cleveland\'s Friendly Station”. WGAR was a major CBS Radio affiliate during the Golden Age of broadcasting before eventually transitioning to a legendary country music format on the FM dial in the 1980s.
This matchbook is estimated to be from 1947 to approximately 1950. The “More Power” slogan was officially released on July 4, 1947.
A unique trait of this item is that it is a feature matchbook. Each individual paper match inside is custom-printed with the \"WGAR 50,000 WATTS\" station branding running vertically up the stems in bold orange lettering.
An excellent addition to any matchbook collection and a great piece of radio and Cleveland memorabilia!
CONDITION: This vintage matchbook contains all 20 original feature matches which are fully intact, attached to the comb, and have never been struck. The cover has minor edge wear and a small dent in one corner. Please see all photos as they are part of the description.
DIMENSIONS: 2” H x 2” W.
SHIPPING: This item ships by ground transportation only.