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

- Link: https://wmrnhistory.com/accession/wmrn-2026-027/
- Published: 2026-09-29T17:03:01-04:00
- Author: Brendon Hamblin

## Document

## Identification & Description

### Title

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

### Description

 * 
 * 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 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 Number

WMRN-2026-027

### Object Type

[Printed Ephemera](https://wmrnhistory.com/archive/?taxquery%5B0%5D%5Bcompare%5D=IN&taxquery%5B0%5D%5Btaxonomy%5D=tnc_tax_2741&taxquery%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D%5B0%5D=235)

### Organizations

[Universal Match Corp.](https://wmrnhistory.com/archive/?taxquery%5B0%5D%5Bcompare%5D=IN&taxquery%5B0%5D%5Btaxonomy%5D=tnc_tax_2799&taxquery%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D%5B0%5D=449)

## Content and Context

### Stations / Brands

[WMRN Radio](https://wmrnhistory.com/archive/?taxquery%5B0%5D%5Bcompare%5D=IN&taxquery%5B0%5D%5Btaxonomy%5D=tnc_tax_2792&taxquery%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D%5B0%5D=433)

### Keywords

Ephemera

## Rights and Access

### Access / Use Restrictions

This item is provided for educational and historical reference.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

## Attachments