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Texas

 File — Box: 1, Folder: 5

Scope and Content

From the Collection: This collection of undated matchbooks are graphically notable and advertise businesses, primarily motels, on Route 66 from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California. The cover art generally illustrates buildings and signs, representing built forms rather than other types of art.

The matchbooks are undated, but appear date from the mid to late twentieth century.

The matchbooks are significant for their hand-lettered typography, stylized illustration, and eye-catching color and images. The covers are printed in in many color combinations, as one color, two color and full color illustrations, on white or colored cardboard. Many have printing on the interior as well as exterior surfaces. The unfolded cardboard covers range in width from 3/4 to 3-1/8 inches, with most 1-1/2 or 2 inches wide by 4-1/3 inches long. The matches were removed.

The collection is grouped by state and city, proceeding east to west.

Most of the matchbooks are from motor hotels, motels and lodges, with a few representing cafes, restaurants, tourist attractions, truck stops and service stations.

Additional matchbook covers were donated after the original accession was processed. They are arranged according to order of receipt.

Dates

  • c.1930-2006

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

Extent

From the Collection: 125 items (1 box) : 125 matchbooks ; range: 0.75 x 3.18 in. to 2 x 4.33 in

General

Including Shamrock, Amarillo and Vega

Repository Details

Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository

Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451