Honegger Leghorns

Two-sided tape measure button. Side 1: Illustration of a rooster surrounded by a small blue egg shape on a white background. Red banner with white text, blue text below banner. Side 2: Blue text on white background. 

This double-sided tape measure button was a promotional item for Marlowe's Hatchery and Feed store, with an advertisement for a particular type of chicken that the store sold to customers. 

Marlowe's Hatchery and Feed was founded in 1933 by Henry Marlowe of Huntley, Illinois. The company sold animal feed, as well as chicks and ducklings. Although venerated in the community as an historic institution, the company suffered after Henry's death in 1984. As the surrounding farmland was converted into subdivisions, the hatchery and feed store adapted and began selling pet supplies. Sadly, the store closed in 1998 and the building was demolished in 2011.