Illustration of measuring tools on a background with red white and blue petal shapes and a blue outer edge

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers was founded in 1888 by 19 machinists in Atlanta, Georgia. Thomas Talbot organized 18 of his fellow workers and voted to form a trade union. At this time, machinists earned 20-25 cents an hour and worked ten-hour days. Employers were hostile to organized labor during that period so the order met in secret for several years. The term, “boomers,” referred to men that traveled the railway lines looking for work, spreading the word about the union. It wasn’t long until there were 189 lodges organized. Over the next century, the union member numbers continued to grow, and the organization eventually affiliated with the International Metalworkers Federation. Today, their membership numbers are over 800,000.

Blue text on a yellow outer ring with a red stripe across the center with yellow and blue text on it

True Value Hardware began in 1948 when John Cotter founded Cotter & Company. In 1963, Cotter acquired Hibbard, Spencer, and Bartlett, and with the purchase came the True Value trademark. Today, True Value home improvement supplies, appliances, and hardware in over 4400 stores in more than 60 countries. Through the True Value Foundation, they support charitable causes by donating products and services to organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Painting a Brighter Future, and Habitat for Humanity. 

Blue text and illustrations of cans of salt on white backgrounds

The Pennsylvania Salt Manufacturing Co. was established in 1850 by five Philadelphia Quakers. In the 1950s or 1960s, the company changed its name to Pennsalt Chemicals Corporation. At the time of its creation there weren't any allocations for chemical companies, so they were founded as a salt company instead. Pennsylvania Salt Manufacturing Co. was mainly known for producing caustic soda, but also made soaps and candles for their clients. The most recent acquisition and name change in 2004 resulted in Pennsalt being renamed as Arkema. They are known for specializing in three areas: high performance materials, industrial specialties, and coating solutions.

Red test on a white background with a red stripe with white text on it

Founded in Chicago in the 1920s by Mario and Salvatore Giachetti, the Linco Bleach Company became the foremost cleaning product company in the Chicago area. The company was located at 2155 W 80th Street. Linco products could be purchased in the store or by home delivery. Linco home delivery was especially useful in a world before disposable diapers. Linco Bleach products were most recognizable for their brown glass bottles.

Red white and blue striped background with gold text and a blue circle in the center with a photograph of Clinton and Gore in profile

The 1996 National Convention of the United States Democratic Party was held from August 26 to August 29, 1996 in Chicago, Illinois. Lyndon LaRouche, a political activist from New Hampshire, unsuccessfully ran for the nomination of the Democratic Party presidential candidate. The Party nominated President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore for reelection and they won against Republican nominees Bob Dole and Jack Kemp in the November 1996 presidential election. 

The Democratic National Convention is held every four years by the United States Democratic Party to nominate presidential candidates. 

Black and white photograph of Ronald Reagan's head and shoulders on a white background with a red a blue banner with white text

Ronald Reagan was an actor and union leader who became involved with politics in the 1960s. He was the Governor of California from 1966 to 1974. In 1976 he unsuccessfully ran against Gerald Ford to become the Republican Party's nominee for President. Reagan’s concession speech focused on the dangers of nuclear war and the threat the Soviet Union posed. In 1980, he won the Presidential election defeating Democratic incumbent, President Carter to become the 40th President of the United States. He served as the President for two terms, from 1981-1989.

Illustration of two ovals in gold with an American flag bunched up between them on a white background

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Illustration of two gold outlined circles with American flags around them on white background

The image seen here served as a kind of vintage template for United States political campaign buttons: the circles were used to display portraits of two political figures. Often, the two portraits were of running mates in a presidential election, or of two politicians with similar platforms.  

Blue and red text next to a blue photograph of a man's head on a white background with two red stars.

Thomas Francis "Tom" Eagleton, a Missouri native, was a United States Senator from 1968 to 1987. While in office, Eagleton was actively involved in foreign relations, education, health care, and the environmental matters. He was integral to the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act being passed and sponsored the amendment that would end American involvement in the Vietnam War. Residents in Pike County, Missouri supported Eagleton as he represented their state. 

Green stripes on the top and bottom with white text and a white background in the middle with an illustration of a person in a bikini type top, wearing jewelry and with a green letter q.

Joan Jett Blakk is the drag persona of performer and politician Terence Smith. In 1991, she unsuccessfully ran for mayor of Chicago against Richard M. Daley. Blakk first garnered national attention for her 1992 president campaign against the Republican incumbent, President George H. W. Bush. Her campaign slogan was "Lick Bush in '92!", as seen on this campaign button. She announced her candidacy on her 35th birthday at Ann Sather restaurant in Chicago, followed by an afterparty at the Berlin nightclub. 

Blakk ran as a member of the Queer Nation Party, which was affiliated with the LGBTQ activist organization, Queer Nation, founded in New York City in 1990 by members of ACT UP. Though each of Blakk's campaigns was unsuccessful, her efforts to bring queerness to the forefront of American politics are remembered with this campaign button and online documentary film footage of her speeches.