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Accession Record

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

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

Accession Finding Aid

Catalog Record

Structured archival metadata for citation, research, and long-term preservation context.

Accession Metadata

Accession ID
WMRN-2026-027
Title
WMRN Radio Promotional Matchcover (Salesman Sample) — Marion, Ohio
Station Association
WMRN-AM 1490, WMRN-FM
Format / Type
Ephemera

Research Context

Historical Context

WMRN Radio promotional matchcover (front), Marion, Ohio. Displays AM 1490 KC and FM 106.9 MC frequencies and identifies the station as an ABC affiliate.WMRN Radio promotional matchcover (reverse), produced by Universal Match Corp., Cincinnati. Features station branding and advertising slogans emphasizing news coverage and business promotion. 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…

Provenance

Provenance details are not yet fully documented.

Citation

WMRN Radio Promotional Matchcover (Salesman Sample) — Marion, Ohio. WMRN-2026-027. WMRN Radio History Archive. Accessed June 5, 2026. https://wmrnhistory.com/accession/wmrn-2026-027/

Archival Notes

No additional archival notes are currently listed.