The American Matchcover Archive


A digital repository dedicated to the conservation and celebration of the American matchbook cover — a pocket-sized canvas that once served as the primary advertising medium for 20th century commerce. 

We hope to honor this everyday, utilitarian item not merely as ephemera, but as a significant artifact of graphic design history. 

Explore the Archive





Pink Pieces

A parcel of perky pink matchbooks – pastels, bubblegums, berries and beyond.
Flamingo Motel
Miami, Florida
Sidney Pitkin
New York, New York
Curry’s Restaurant
Miami Beach, Florida
Ric’s Cafe
Tucson, Arizona
Heartland Cafe
Chicago, Illinois
Adobe Rose Cafe
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Ping’s Palace
San Francisco, California
The Leilani
Fresno, California
Teacup
Santa Cruz, California
Taste of Italy
Waukesha, Wisconsin
Ramon’s El Dorado Restaurant
Collinsville/Fairview Heights, Illinois
No Way Jose’s Cantina
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Wise’s Delicatessen
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Hoosick Falls Lumber Co.
Hoosick Falls, New York
Burburan’s Towne House
Flushing, New York
June’s Little Club
San Pedro, California
Fred’s Place
Camanche, California
Bosselman & Eaton Inc. 
Grand Island, Nebraska

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