Black background with a white text logo for the country-rock band, Alabama 

Alabama is a popular American band whose unique fusion of country and rock has led to their widespread fanbase. The group was started in 1969 by three cousins: Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry, and Jeff Cook. They have achieved great success over the years, and have been awarded spots in both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 

Despite the unfortunate passing of band member Jeff Cook in 2022, the group remains very active and (as of 2023) is continuing to tour at many venues around North America. 

Pink and blue background with the Sinclair dinosaur family from the television show Dinosaurs in the center. The logo text from the show is below the image of the dinosaurs. 

Dinosaurs was an American comedy series that aired from 1991 to 1994. The show was the brainchild of Jim Henson and followed a family of dinosaurs, the Sinclairs (named after the fossil fuel corporation). By combining the traditional American sitcom format with the bizarre protagonists of anthropomorphic dinosaurs, the series was able to push the envelope and discuss significant topics including environmentalism.

Green background with white and red text and two holly berry illustrations on either side of the text

The phrase “peace on earth” likely comes from the Bible’s account of the birth of Jesus. In it the Gospel Luke says, “And on earth peace, good will toward men,” which is sometimes translated to “Peace on Earth, good will to men.” This might explain why the phrase is often associated with the Christmas holiday. 

The phrase also appears in a number of Christmas songs. Perhaps the most notable is the “Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy” duet sung by David Bowie and Bing Crosby in a 1977 televised holiday special. Crosby sang a classic rendition of “Little Drummer Boy” while Bowie sang the newly written “Peace on Earth.” Since the special’s airing, the song has become a holiday staple. 

Red background with black text on the left and an illustration of Goofy with his hand and arm extended on the right

Goofy is one of the original characters from Disney's Mickey Mouse animated cartoons and remains popular today. During his first appearance in the 1932 cartoon Mickey's Revue, he was known as Dippy Dawg. He was re-envisioned later that year as a younger dog, appearing as Goofy for the first time in The Whoopee Party.

Although the saying displayed on this button is not one of Goofy's catchphrases, it is indicative of his silly and often dim-witted personality.

Illustrated background with grass and a blue sky with wispy clouds. Donald Duck is in the center with body language and expression that indicate frustration with black text to his right.

Famous for his volatile temper, Donald Duck is one of Walt Disney’s most popular cartoon characters. Since his debut in The Wise Little Hen, on June 9, 1934, he has amassed a large fanbase spanning multiple generations. 

Although he has done plenty of solo work, many people associate the irascible duck with Mickey Mouse, Walt Disney’s company mascot. He is often depicted alongside the Mickey Mouse crew, his girlfriend Daisy Duck, and his three mischievous nephews.

Illustration of a grinning man wearing a black hat and a shirt with a flower pin, over a tan background. The text below is decorated with sewn patches, mimicking tattered clothing. 

"Benjy" was an American comic strip created by Jim Berry and Bill Yates. Running from 1973 to 1975, the series follows the titular character, who is homeless. Benjy encounters bizarre and humorous situations in the strip, but retains a lovable and grateful attitude.

Red text over a tan/white background. 

Will Rogers was an American entertainer, humorist, and beloved social commentator of the early 20th century. Despite his sharp political observations he famously proclaimed "I never met a man I didn't like." This message is thus a biting critique of the American politician Pat Buchanan. The paleoconservative became infamous during his 1992 and 1996 presidential campaigns due to his offensive messaging against a multicultural America.

Dark blue text on a cream colored background

Did you know that the city of Evanston, Illinois was once a dry town? Evanston was incorporated in 1863 as a dry town, meaning the sale of alcohol was prohibited in the city. The alcohol ban was established in the 1850s, before the incorporation of the city, as a result of the efforts of Frances Willard. Not only did Frances Willard hold the title of Dean of of the Women’s College at Northwestern, she was also a founding member of the Women’s Christian Temperance Movement. In the nineteenth century, the temperance movement was viewed as a women’s right issue as the use of alcohol was seen as something that affected the family. The Northwestern founders proposed the “Four Mile Limit" law in 1855, resulting in the prohibition of alcohol in the four miles surrounding the town now known as Evanston. 

However, by the 1970s, many residents were unhappy with the alcohol prohibition as it was negatively affecting the city’s economy. While Evanston citizens were divided on the prohibition issue, the city voted to end the alcohol ban in 1972. This issue led to much disagreement and many discussions between community members. The owner of this button was most likely happy about the city’s decision to lift the ban!

Black text, light blue background, and a black line illustration of a young girl and a young boy in diapers. 

The gender wage gap refers to the difference in average salary between men and women. This phenomenon was first widely identified (in the U.S.) with the introduction of the Equal Pay Act of 1963, although the issue of wealth disparity has existed for much longer. While many have attributed the wage gap to a difference in common occupations for men and women, studies show that women are often paid less for working the same jobs as their male counterparts.

Although there has been significant progress since the Equal Pay Act of 1963 was first introduced, there is still a long way to go to achieving true gender equality in the workplace.

Black, white, and red illustration of Koko the Clown on a red background

Animator Max Fleischer initially created Koko the Clown to showcase his Rotoscope, a device that allows animators to trace over live-action footage. The Rotoscope allows for smoother, more life-like animations with the added bonus of speeding up the animation process. Koko was modeled after Fleischer's younger brother, Dave, who worked as a clown at the Steeplechase Amusement Park in Coney Island. Towards the end of his fifteen-year run as the star of Fleischer's cartoons, Koko the Clown would be eclipsed in popularity by another Fleischer creation: Betty Boop.