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Inside Spencer: The KSRL Blog

Books on a shelf

Welcome to the Kenneth Spencer Research Library blog! As the special collections and archives library at the University of Kansas, Spencer is home to remarkable and diverse collections of rare and unique items. Explore the blog to learn about the work we do and the materials we collect.

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That’s Distinctive!: Kansas Matchbooks

Check the blog each Friday for a new “That’s Distinctive!” post. I created the series because I genuinely believe there is something in our collections for everyone, whether you’re writing a paper or just want to have a look. “That’s Distinctive!” will provide a more lighthearted glimpse into the diverse and unique materials at Spencer – including items that many people may not realize the library holds. If you have suggested topics for a future item feature or questions about the collections, feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this page.

This week on That’s Distinctive! we share the matchbook collection of Richard Olmstead. Born in Lawrence in 1921, Olmstead collected matchbooks from Lawrence and the surrounding areas during the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. The images shown today cover Lawrence, Kansas, with notable businesses such as Round Corner Drug, which used to occupy Massachusetts Street.

Why share matchbooks? This collection shows that Spencer houses so much more than books. The collections contain many unique and interesting items from throughout history.

Eight colorful matchbooks from Lawrence cafes and inns, arranged vertically in two rows.
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Eight colorful matchbooks from Lawrence drugstores and ice cream shops, arranged vertically in two rows.
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Eight colorful matchbooks arranged vertically in two rows.
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Eight colorful matchbooks from Lawrence clothes and fashion businesses, arranged vertically in two rows.
Selected pages of matchbooks from Lawrence, Kansas, circa 1920-1947. Richard Olmstead Matchbook Collection. Call Number: RH MS D301. Click images to enlarge.

Tips on starting your own matchbook collection can be found at the Rathkamp Matchcover Society website.

Tiffany McIntosh
Public Services

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This entry was posted on Friday, July 14th, 2023 at 9:22 am and is filed under Kansas Collection, That's Distinctive. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.