Taichung establishes Matchstick Story House and 'Gongxue Taihuo Business Circle'

Taichung, Taiwan – A unique "Taiwan Matchstick Story House" has opened its doors on the fourth floor of the South District Office in Taichung, aiming to preserve the history of the region's once-thriving match industry. The museum features an extensive collection of over 10,000 matchboxes and significant historical documents, offering visitors a glimpse into a bygone era.

The initiative seeks to educate younger generations about the importance of matches as a primary source of fire before the widespread adoption of lighters. Historically, the "Taiwan Match Co., Ltd." was established in 1895 in the area now known as Taichung's South District. During World War II, matches were considered essential commodities, akin to rice and salt, and were subject to government monopoly.

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What is 'fanzi huo'? What is a matchstick? With the development of technology, children today only know that the tools for lighting fires are lighters, and they don't know that in the past, matches were used to light fires.

After the war, the factory was privatized in 1947 and experienced a period of significant growth, even becoming publicly listed in 1970. By 1971, Taiwan Match Co. was producing two out of every three matchboxes in Taiwan, marking a golden age for the company. However, the advent of convenient and moisture-resistant lighters in the 1980s led to a gradual decline in the match market. The company eventually transitioned in 1994, selling its match-making machinery to Indonesia.

To further promote the area's heritage, the "Gongxue Taihuo Business Circle" has been approved by the economic development department. This initiative, driven by local community leaders, aims to leverage business circle activities to publicize the history of the South District and its connection to match production. The district office also plans to proactively display its collection of matchboxes at local parent-child events, ensuring that children learn about the history of their hometown.

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The things you can do with software orchestral instruments nowadays is amazing. We absolutely need that as we're mocking things up, but then you come here and you have the best brass players in the world... It's mind-blowing.