WMRN Radio Promotional Matchcover (Salesman Sample) — Marion, Ohio

This item represents a promotional matchcover produced for WMRN Radio in Marion, Ohio, likely distributed as part of the station’s advertising and sales efforts during the mid-20th century.

The matchcover prominently features WMRN’s dual-frequency identification:
• AM 1490 KC
• FM 106.9 MC

It also identifies the station as an “ABC station,” reflecting its network affiliation during the period.

Marketing slogans printed on the cover include:
• “Your Friendly Neighbor”
• “WMRN gives you news while it’s still news”
• “Let WMRN light your way to increased sales”

These phrases illustrate how the station positioned itself both as a trusted local broadcaster and as an effective advertising medium for businesses in Marion and surrounding communities.

The reverse side credits Universal Match Corp. of Cincinnati, Ohio, a major manufacturer of promotional matchbooks widely used across the United States.

This example is a salesman sample, meaning it was not distributed for public use but instead used by sales representatives to demonstrate promotional designs to prospective advertisers. As a result, it remains in unused, unstruck condition and is more scarce than standard issued matchcovers.

The item provides insight into WMRN’s mid-century branding, advertising strategy, and early FM presence. Exact production date is unknown.

Research Notes

Additional Details

Expanded archival notes are grouped here so the main accession record stays readable while still supporting citation, transcription, and deeper research.

Transcription / OCR

No dedicated transcript/OCR is required for this object record yet.

People and Timeline

People

" Cincinnati, " Ohio), Universal Match Corp., WMRN Radio (Marion"

Timeline placement

The exact date or era for this record is still being refined. Related records and donor context may help place it more precisely in the station timeline.

Citation and Rights

WMRN-2026-027. WMRN Radio Promotional Matchcover (Salesman Sample) — Marion, Ohio. WMRN Radio History Archive.

See the archive access and use policy.

Full Catalog Metadata

Object type

Artifact

Source / donor

Online marketplace listing (eBay listing", archival reference image)," 2021

Physical location

Physical location unknown; item not held in collection

Usage notes

This item is provided for educational and historical reference. Rights status is undetermined. No known restrictions on digital display.

Community Identification

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