Illustration of a blue and red-orange bird with a blue and green background and black text along the bottom

As part of a set of 40, this button features an Eastern Bluebird also known as the American Bluebird and Common Bluebird. Eastern Bluebirds are songbirds that are very social and gather in flocks of more than 100. They are primarily found in the Rockies, but can also be seen in Canada, Mexico and Honduras. The Eastern Bluebird is the official bird of Missouri and New York.

Illustration of a bird with blue and red on a wire in front of a blue and pink background

As part of a set of 40, this button features a Barn Swallow bird. Barn Swallows are songbirds that can be found in Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. They are one of the fastest birds in the swallow family ranging up to 46 mph. Barn Swallows were hunted for their feathers until the founding of the Audubon Society and the passage of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.  

Blue text and an illustration of a woman wearing blue on a red background

The term "dullsville" first came into usage in 1960 during the Beat Generation. It was predominantly used by beatniks and intellectuals to refer to an unpleasant or boring place. In the beatnik lexicon, "dad" was also used as a term of affection. Used together, the phrase was likely a way to express boredom to a group of friends.

Blue text and an illustration of a girl wearing blue on a red background

The term "dullsville" first came into usage in 1960 during the Beat Generation. It was predominantly used by beatniks and intellectuals to refer to an unpleasant or boring place. In the beatnik lexicon, "dad" was also used as a term of affection. Used together, the phrase was likely a way to express boredom to a group of friends.

Red and black text on a white rectangle on a red and white striped background

USAir began as the All American Aviation, Inc. in 1939 and now operates under the American Airlines brand. As USAir, the airline used these buttons to identify and assist children who were traveling alone. They contained spaces to write in information about a connecting flight and the destination city. The child who wore this button was traveling to Detroit. 

Red and black text on a white rectangle on a red and white striped background

USAir began as the All American Aviation, Inc. in 1939 and now operates under the American Airlines brand. As USAir, the airline used these buttons to identify and assist children who were traveling alone. They contained spaces to write in information about a connecting flight and the destination city. 

White text around the outer edge of an illustration of Santa Claus on a red background

The Marshall Fields department store opened in Chicago, Illinois in 1852. Although the store was known for its grandeur and plethora of stores, it was even more popular in the winter seasons for its elaborate Christmas decorations that featured animated displays, themed window exhibitions, and Santa Clause for the children to visit. 

Illustration of two guys in a brown car on a black road with a green street sign with black text on a white background

The American Political Items Collectors (APIC), founded in 1945, is a non profit organization that promotes the study, collection, and preservation of political campaign memorabilia. Every two years, they hold a national convention where both collectors and the general public gather to attend seminars, exhibit collections, and attend auctions to buy, sell, and trade items. In 2016, the convention was held at the Hilton Hotel in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. This special button, featuring the likenesses of co-chairs of the convention Ted Hake and Scott Mussell, was created and distributed at the convention.

This button was manufactured by the Busy Beaver Button Co.

Red text and an illustration of a red triangle with a dark blue or black feather going through it on a white background

In 1844, the first Young Men's Christian Association or Y.M.C.A. was founded in London England. The Y.M.C.A. experienced quick growth from 1844 to 1855 and spread across the United States, Canada, and Europe. The first Y.M.C.A in the United States was founded in Boston in 1851. The Y.M.C.A. was founded on Christian principles but has since expanded to include a broader audience and promotes the strengthening of communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility rather than promoting Christianity or morality.

The red triangle has been an emblem of the Y.M.C.A. since 1891. The three sides represent the spirit, mind, and body. The triangle represents the Y.M.C.A.’s philosophy in that a triangle is not just three separate sides but the sum of three sides that together form a triangular figure. Thus in regards to a man, he is not just a body, a mind, and a spirit, but a result of all three.

Green four-leaf clover with white H's on each leaf on a white background.

4-H began taking shape in the 1890s as youth clubs for focused hands-on learning began forming throughout rural areas of the United States. In 1902 in Ohio and Minnesota, the clubs became more organized and this is considered the official start of 4-H, although they weren't called 4-H clubs until 1912. O.H. Benson of Iowa designed a three-leaf clover for area clubs in 1907 with three Hs standing for head, heart, and hands. In 1911 a fourth leaf and fourth H, representing health, was added. It became the official emblem in 1924. The Cooperative Extension System was created 1914 and began to oversee the youth program, taking the clubs nationwide. 4-H members compete in project areas including agriculture, livestock, science, health, and art and participate in community clubs, afterschool programs, and camps. Adults mentor 4-H members in leadership, project areas, and community participation.