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





Sunshine Stops

A vibrant mix of matchbooks from an array of restaurants, lodging and services.
Bicycle Club
Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey
The Italian Accent
Arlington, Texas
The Horny Toad
Littleton, Colorado
Joy Motel
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Wysocki’s Cafe
Danville, Pennsylvania 
Sal’s Authentic Mexican Food
Tempe, Arizona
Sun Mountain Lodge
Winthop, Washington
Pony Village
North Bend, Oregon
Emilio’s Mexican Restaurant
Battle Creek, Michigan
Old Heidelberg Restaurant Lounge
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 
Palumbo’s Restaurant
Lebanon, Pennsylvania
Gateway Bottle Shop
Truckee, California
The Leopard Cafe
San Francisco, California
Judy’s Cafe
Tucson, Arizona

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