Matchbook Album
Identifier:
2017.32.19
Description:
Matchbooks have been around since the 19th century and been popular collector's items because of their creative and sometimes humorous advertising artwork as well as the fact that they were free to take from businesses and hotels. This collection was amassed by an unknown phillumenist (meaning matchbox collector) who likely lived in the Grand Rapids region due to the focus on collecting many matchbooks from businesses in the city. In addition, there are matchbooks from other cities like Chicago, Detroit and New York as well as hotels from all over the United States. In this lot, this is one of four impressive albums of early 20th century matchbooks.
Date:
1899 – 1940
Dimensions:
12 5/8"" h 9 1/2"" w 2"" d
Current Location Status:
In Storage
Collection Tier:
Tier 2
Source:
Gift of Charles G. Schoenknecht and Ward Paul
Related Entities:
Charles G. Schoenknecht (donor)
Ward A. Paul (donor)
Related Objects:
