Do you like to collect keepsakes, to remind you of a special trip or another happy time? If you do, and your memorabilia of choice is matchbooks, then you might be a Phillumenist.
Collectors love to compare notes, and share details about their collections. Searching the internet, you can come across any variety of matchbook collections. Some collectors focus on just Casino matchbooks. Of which there are many. Casinos love matchbooks because they provide advertising, but also a functional light for their smoking customers. There are not many indoor places today where smokers can light up. D.D. Bean and Atlas Match provide the only American made casino matchbooks.
Do you have a D.D. Bean or Atlas Match casino matchbook? If yes, then you might be a Phillumenist. If not, don’t worry. There is still plenty of time to visit a Casino in Las Vegas, California, Colorado, or even Florida.
You might be a newbie to collecting. A fresh face, a newcomer to the matchbook collecting world. If so, we recommend a visit to the Collecting Basics article by well known collector Mike Prero. Mike’s site, matchpro.org, has some incredible information. Everything you need to know to get started in match cover collecting.
If you live in the north east, you are particularly lucky. Plan a trip – but call ahead – to the last match factory in America. Yes, D.D. Bean and Sons, located in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, is the last match factory. Printing covers and dipping match heads for over 81-years now, the folks at D.D. Bean are always happy to show you the trade. They take great pride in the production of matches, and are keeping the industry alive. Be sure to ask for some samples to take away. Get your collection started.
Likewise, the famous Atlas Match is now located inside the walls of the D.D. Bean factory. In 2019, the two plants consolidated into one. It was the final consolidation of all the match factories that ever were in America. The combined knowledge of two legendary producers will drive the future of the match industry in the USA.
The Rathkamp
Matchcover Society (sounds secretive doesn’t it) is actually a group of
very nice, and well informed match collectors.
This group has been around for 79-years now. They must have started collecting from day
one of the industry. Some of the collections on their
site feature:
- Milk
- Antique Cars
- Birds
- Cowboys
- Air Bases in Texas
- Mermaids
The variety is endless, when it comes to matchbook collections. You might not be a smoker, or a pipe user, or even a camping enthusiast, but that doesn’t mean you can’t become a Phillumenist. Get started today by picking up a book at your favorite restaurant, bar, or casino. Visit a smoke shop and ask for a matchbook. And if you are within 50-miles of Jaffrey, New Hampshire, stop by the match plant and we will help get your collection started.
