In Des Moines, Iowa, a Mies van der Rohe building once housed a savings and loan that handed out carol books every Christmas.
Home Federal Savings and Loan Association — founded in 1929 and remembered today for its 1962 building, one of the finest examples of mid-century modern architecture in Des Moines and one of the first steel-and-glass Miesian structures in the city's downtown — gave these little songbooks to customers opening Christmas Savings Club accounts. Published by Christmas Club a Corporation of New York, this cover features a sweet illustration of a girl holding a candle. Available in two years: 1952 and 1953. New old stock, 10 carols, vibrant colors throughout.
A lovely stocking stuffer for the ephemera collector, the banking history buff, or anyone who appreciates a piece of mid-century Americana with a great backstory.
Title: Christmas Carols
Music & Lyrics: Various traditional carols
Copyright: Christmas Club a Corporation, NY
Promotional Sponsor: Home Federal Savings & Loan Association, Des Moines, IA (1929–1990)
Format: Softcover, 10 songs
Dimensions: Approx. 4 × 6 inches
Variants: 1952 · 1953
Condition: NOS. Very good vintage. Cover wear on some; no tears, no folded pages, no writing, no stains. Light tanning. Colors remain vibrant. All imperfections photographed.
