The 83rd annual convention of the Rathkamp Matchcover Society (RMS) will be held August 25-30, 2024, at the Holiday Inn Cincinnati Airport, 1717 Airport Exchange Blvd., Erlanger, KY
“We’re delighted to gather near Cincinnati this year. This year’s theme is Red, White, and Bluegrass: United We Stand” says RMS President Denise McKinney. “Our theme pays tribute to Kentucky’s many legendary qualities of history, patriotism, and bluegrass culture of music, horse racing, and bourbon.”
The convention brings together collectors from all over the US, and Canada, to buy, sell, and swap matchbook covers, matchboxes, and historic match-related items. “Because matches record every aspect of history and culture, they offer something for everyone, and collecting them is an ideal hobby for anyone who appreciates history and advertising design,” says Pat Mains, convention co-chair and longtime collector. “I welcome collectors of anything to come check us out. Collectors of railroad memorabilia, breweriana, automotive, military and political history, sports, entertainment, even those studying graphic design, will find fascinating and beautiful matchcovers to pique their interest, and enhance their collections. There’s no end to it!”
“Recent newspaper and magazine articles from LA to New York point to the current resurgence of matches as businesses recognize their desirability among today’s patrons. Once considered the third most popular collectible, after coins and stamps, the advent of disposable lighters and anti-smoking laws, greatly curtailed the availability of ‘free-range’ matches,” explains nationally recognized collector and marketing consultant Richard Greene. “Today, their popularity as a keepsake, lets high-end bars and restaurants put an enduring memento in their customers’ pockets. The entertainment and casino industries still produce plenty of matches, and the recent legalization of medical and recreational cannabis is generating a new and growing category for match collectors.”
Founded in 1940 by a group of collectors who met at the 1940 World’s Fair, and later named for founding member Henry Rathkamp, RMS is the national organization of matchcover collectors. RMS today is comprised of 20 regional and 10 topical affiliate clubs. Today there is a growing number of Facebook sites devoted to matches. Topical clubs include collectors of casino, pin-up, tobacco, and other specific categories of matches. Most collectors belong to more than one club and collect more than a single category. They conduct hobby business online, and through the mail. Many of these specialty clubs hold meetings at the RMS convention, so collectors who are geographically spread out can meet and greet each other at least once a year.
The week-long convention will have four days of auctions, and a dealers’ room of collectors selling and trading their surplus and duplicate matchcovers. The convention also keeps four or more large tables well-stocked with piles of FREE matches for attendees to sift through, looking for treasures to add to their collections. According to RMS 1st VP Richard Giardini, “Matches are inspirational eye-candy, and a designer’s delight. Collectors bring specially prepared framed displays to compete for awards presented at a celebratory banquet. Many of these are true works of art. They give collectors a chance to show off many rare and culturally significant items.
Because estates and many aging collectors who amassed huge collections during the heyday of matches are liquidating, it’s a great time to enter the hobby. Many senior collectors are very generous with covers and information, especially towards young people who show an interest. They’re eager to see their collections carry on as a legacy to the hobby.”
