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





Wood Wonders

A selection of captivating wood-textured matchbooks advertising lodging & eateries.
Kim’s Restaurant
Inglewood, California
Holiday Motel
Aberdeen, Washington
Bill’s Barber Sop
Salt Lake City, Utah
Sandia Motel
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Sun Valley Motel
Worland, Wyoming
Famous Brown Derby
Montpelier, Vermont
Trail Motel
Lusk, Wyoming
Chenoa Motel
Chenoa, Illinois
Davis Drive Inn
Polo, Illinois
Buccaneer Pizza
Jacksonville/Medford Oregon
Hotel Cordell Hull
Gallatin, Tennessee
The Shelby Inn
Shelby, Ohio
El Capitan Motel
Gallup, New Mexico
The Original Elk Hotel & Restaurant
Port Jefferson, New York
Roosevelt Hotel & Motel
Anchorage, Alaska
Bavarian Haus
Orlando, Florida
Mapletown Dinette
St. Johnsbury, Vermont
Twin Falls Lodge/Hawks Next Lodge
Saulsville/Anstead, West Virginia


Sleepy Hollow Court
Alburquerque, New Mexico
Rustic Cottages Resort
Tahoe Vista, California
Barber’s Restaurant
Mendon, Vermont
The Manor Restaurant
Strasburg, Ohio
Little Park Restaurant
Spanaway, Washington

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