Red text on an off-white background

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Black and white illustration of a bald man dipping a red doughnut into a coffee cup with black text on a red background 

The first popularized doughnut machine was credited to Russian immigrant Adolph Levitt in New York City in 1920. After crowds flocked to his bakery for his fried doughnuts, the growing demand prompted him to create a device that would boost efficiency—thus, the doughnut machine was born. In the following decades, mass-produced doughnuts became a staple across the United States.

In order to manufacture and distribute his doughnut machines, Levitt founded the Doughnut Corporation of America (DCA) and in 1931, the DCA opened its first Mayflower Coffee Shop in Times Square, New York City. To further spread the popularization of doughnuts, the DCA created the National Dunking Association. The lighthearted membership-based organization geared towards doughnut enthusiasts hosted dunking contests and facilitated discussions on proper dunking etiquette.

The Mayflower Coffee Shop eventually became a chain, with 24 locations around the country by 1949. Each of the shop’s boxes featured Levitt’s motto, also nicknamed the Optimist’s Creed, which read, “As you ramble on through life, brother, whatever be your goal, keep your eye upon the doughnut, and not upon the hole!”

Blue text around the rim with a blue illustration of an archer holding pulling back a bow, about to release an arrow. 

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Illustration of a yellow dog looking at an open book, surrounded by a pile of more books, with brown text above

When patrons register for their own library card at a public library, they may receive some exciting perks, like a stylish bookmark or a button similar to this one. Along with access to thousands of resources, man libraries also offer literary-themed merchandise as a thank-you to patrons for their support. 

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Black illustration of an antique wheeled industrial vehicle surrouned by black text on a yellow background

The Stephenson County Antique Engine Club is a nonprofit organization established in 1969 and based in Freeport, IL. The club has celebrated America’s historical heritage for over 50 years by hosting community events to educate the public about agricultural and industrial history. The annual festival, hosted in August, showcases antique tractors, tools, and other farming equipment. Attendees of the annual show can even ride a train and enjoy some tasty fair food!

Dark green text on a light green background

Did you know the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes featured an invention called a "transmogrifier," a shapeshifting device in the form of a cardboard box and a laser gun? Transmogrify is a whimsical term often seen in folklore to describe transformation in fantasy settings. This button could be an affordable way to become anyone or anything! 

Color illustration of a Santa Claus's face fills the majority of the button; a white background with black text above the illustration

During the holiday season for mid-century America, department stores and other attractions used pinback buttons with the headline "See/Meet Me at ____." to promote Santa’s appearance. Zinn’s was a diner and roadside attraction in Denver, Pennsylvania right off US Route 222. Opened in 1950, Zinn's Diner was family owned by the Zinn family and served Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine for decades. 

Throughout its years of operation, Zinn's Diner expanded the property by adding a park that featured recreational activities such as a mini golf course and batting cages. What Zinn’s Diner was known best for was its memorable statue that stands outside its establishment Amos, a large Pennsylvania Dutchman. The usage of U.S. Route 222 and other older highways began to decline with the rise of newer, faster highways, which negatively impacted businesses like Zinn's Diner. In 2003 Zinn’s Diner and Park closed and has since been sold and reopened as Park Place Diner. Don't worry! Amos is now safely housed at the Lancaster Historical Society.

Green text and two illustrated green birds on a yellow background

Carson's, also known as Carson Pirie Scott & Co., was a brick-and-mortar store in the United States. Carson’s grew in popularity similar to other department stores like L.S. Ayres and Sears, expanding in multiple locations by the end of the 20th century. However, by the beginning of the 21st century, shoppers shifted their preference from departments stores, and thrifting and online shopping was on the rise; the decline in sales eventually led to the demise of all of Carson’s storefronts. In 2018, Carson’s filed for bankruptcy, leaving behind a history of ephemeral sales buttons. 

White text on a red background above black text on a white background; illustrations of three union emblems in black outlined circles in the center 

The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers & Helpers is a trade union for boilermakers and other related industrial workers in the United States and Canada. The union was founded in 1880 during the Second Industrial Revolution due to the growing demand for machinery and technology. Since then, the union has continued to serve those in the trade, offering competitive benefits overseen by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration), ensuring quality care for its union members. From the coal mines to up to the ocean building naval ships and bridges, the union has played a vital role in supporting skilled labor across major industries.