Join the Club... the 1955 Christmas Club!

Do people still join Christmas Clubs like they used to?

I ask that every time I post vintage Christmas Clubs ads from the local banks. Yes, they're still offered at many banking institutions, but I doubt if the participation level is anywhere near what it used to be in the 1950s and 60s. Plus so many people are living paycheck to paycheck that it's probably unthinkable to imagine putting aside money for use a year later.

Anyway, it's always interesting to look back and see how the Clubs were marketed in the old days. Below you see an ample sample of Christmas Club ads from Christmas 1954 that ran in the Lorain Journal. 

Citizens Home & Savings Association ran a lot of ads for their Club, all with jolly artwork.

Nov. 15, 1954

Dec. 15, 1954

Dec. 29, 1954

This full-page ad for the Central Bank Co. should probably include a Recycled logo. But being full-page, at least the artwork is clearer.

Nov. 25, 1954

This ad for Lorain Banking Company gives me a sense of deja vu as well. The ad copy is true; only the Santa Claus has been changed to protect the innocent.

Nov. 25, 1954

At least the ad for National Bank of Lorain is unique. Like the Central Bank ad, a rendering of the bank building is helpfully provided.

Dec. 3, 1954

The City Bank had a unique approach as well. It kicks off its campaign with a happy ad before sliding down into a grim, humorless abyss.

Nov. 25, 1954

Dec. 1, 1954

Dec. 15, 1954

The Lorain County Savings & Trust Co. followed the not-so-jolly approach as well with this bare-bones ad. The suits there probably reviewed the ad artwork and shrugged, "Ah, it's good enough for Lorain!"

Dec. 15, 1954

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Please join Reddy in wishing longtime blog contributor and good guy Alan Hopewell a very Happy Birthday! Have a great day, Alan!!