The Rathkamp Matchcover Society

The Oldest Phillumenic Organization In The World!
Celebrating our 65th year!

        Join us in a truly great hobby! Matchcover collecting
        is a truly worldwide hobby, with collectors and collecting clubs
        or societies in almost every country in the world. Collectors
        share a common bond - their love of matchcovers and matchboxes. 

RMS Membership

Membership in RMS is open to all matchcover and matchbox collectors who are interested in increasing their knowledge of

our hobby and developing trading friendships. Dues are $20 the first year+ $2 entry fee, $20 thereafter, and $4 per year for each additional family member living at the same address. Family members have full privileges but receive no extra bulletin(s).

For Canada and Mexico, the dues are $25, and for all other international members, the dues are $35.

As a member of RMS you will receive:

• A membership card and membership certificate
• A membership list of over 900 collectors with whom you are encouraged to trade covers, and to collect ideas and other hobby information.
• Six club bulletins per year, 32 pages per issue.
• A copy of the RMS Constitution.
• Tips for newer collectors outlining collecting terms and general hobby information.
• A list of local clubs which you might wish to contact; most have their own bulletins, regular meetings, and some hold swapfests.
• On-line support for your questions and problems.
• Access to advertising on the RMS web page.
• Access to all activities at the annual RMS Convention

RMS ANNUAL CONVENTION

An annual national convention is held each August, hosted by one of the local clubs. The RMS CONVENTION 2007 was held on August 5-11, at the Sheraton Westport Chalet Hotel, in St. Louis. The 2008 RMS Convention is scheduled for The Inn at Hunt's Landing Best Western at Matamoras, PA, August 3rd – 10th. We'd love to see you there. Complete details and Pre-Registration form at Convention Central!

Activities at the annual conventions include:

• Meeting fellow collectors that you trade with as well as other RMS members.
• Exhibits of matchcovers and matchboxes. RMS awards trophies in 15 display categories, and clubs and individuals also give out awards for various categories. Participation is open to any RMS member.
• Auctions. Four sessions are held where members may purchase covers and boxes to add to their collections. Each RMS member is allowed to place 10 lots for sale as long as space is available. The host club retains a small percentage of the selling price.
• The Annual Banquet. Achievements for the past year are recognized and trophies awarded to the exhibit display winners.
• Room-hopping (a unique feature of this hobby)--collectors visit other collectors' rooms where covers are set out for the taking.
• Freebie tables overflowing with donated matchcovers where collectors can help themselves.
• Organized tours to surrounding points of interest.

Joining RMS

If you would like to join our Society, print and fill out the RMS application form and mail it, along with your dues, to:

Terry Rowe
Membership Secretary
1509 S. Dugan Rd.

Urbana, OH 43078-9209

trowerms@ctcn.net

We hope to provide you with cover information and helpful collecting hints that will help increase your enjoyment of our mutual hobby. Our bulletin will offer you a wealth of information including how to obtain hobby supplies such as albums and pages. Classified ads with items wanted and for sale are also available to all members.

If you know anyone who you think might like information about our Society, send their names and addresses to the RMS Secretary, below, and a free prospective membership kit will be sent to him or her. RMS also gives an annual award to the member who sponsors the most new members.

Charles Specht
Secretary
2306 Belmore Dr., Champaign, IL

charlesspecht@hotmail.com

For Further Information

If you have any questions about the Society, collecting in general, or specific items that you aren't sure about, contact us. If we don't know the answer, we'll try and direct you to someone who does.