Santa Barbara Matchcover and Matchbox Collection, 1960-1990

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Summary

Abstract:
Phillumeny is the hobby of collecting different match-related items. The Santa Barbara Matchcover and Matchbox Collection contains over 300 matchcovers and matchboxes of printed advertising graphics, primarily of Santa Barbara area businesses. Showcasing local brands and late 20th century commercial art styles, this collection is a consolidation of materials from several acquisitions. A digital exhibit of the two match container types, matchcovers and matchboxes, accompany this guide.
Extent:
333 Item(s)
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Santa Barbara Matchcover and Matchbox Collection, AR-2020-001, Gledhill Library, Santa Barbara Historical Museum, Santa Barbara, California.

Background

Scope and content:

The Santa Barbara Matchcover and Matchbox Collection contains over 300 matchcover and matchbox-related advertising graphics, primarily of Santa Barbara area businesses, showcasing local brands and late 20th century commercial art styles.

Biographical / historical:

Up until the mid-1990s, when smokers were plentiful, matches had far more utility than they do in the 21st century. Matches were handy, tiny fire sticks given away by businesses to propagate their brand. Matches allowed people to consume cigarettes and were therefore lifted from bars, restaurants and hotels by customers with the intent of striking them at a later time. With the declining number of smokers as well as laws prohibiting smoking in public establishments, complimentary matchboxes are now somewhat of a rarity.

Acquisition information:
The bulk of the materials were acquired from an unknown donor. Additional matchcovers and matchboxes were contributed by Shirley Rouse Roby, Jeff Russell, Kathryn Maldonado, and Patricia J. DuBoux
Processing information:

The Santa Barbara Matchcover and Matchbox Collection was processed by Shirley Rouse Roby, Chris S. Ervin CA, and Gina Sheeks in 2020.

Arrangement:

This collection is organized into 2 series by each type of match container. Within each series, the graphics are categorized by locale and type of business:

Series 01 – Matchcovers

Series 02 – Matchboxes

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

Property rights reside with the Santa Barbara Historical Museum. For permissions to reproduce or to publish, please contact the Head Archivist of the Gledhill Library.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Santa Barbara Matchcover and Matchbox Collection, AR-2020-001, Gledhill Library, Santa Barbara Historical Museum, Santa Barbara, California.

Location of this collection:
136 E. De La Guerra
Santa Barbara, CA 93101, US
Contact:
(805) 966-1605 x105
archivist@sbhistorical.org
Website