Three interlocked gold chain links containing the letters F, L, T on white background. Beneath the chain is a blue eye. Black text on upper edge. 

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows was founded in Baltimore, Maryland, on April 26, 1819. The movement originated in Great Britain and was a response to the harsh conditions of the time. The Oddfellows came together under the common commitment to take care of one's fellow man and provide aid to those in need. They are also known as "The Three Link Fraternity" which stands for Friendship, Love and Truth, represented by the three gold chain links on the button. The back paper of this button was used as an advertisement for the American Pepsin Gum Co. 

This button was a give-away button from American Pepsin Gum Company. Many gum manufactures in the late 1800's used pepsin powder in their chewing gum and marketed it as a way to aid in digestion.  Pepsin was thought to settle stomach issues and help people with digestive concerns.  

White text is centered betwen two horizonta lines with additional text on the upper and bottom edges on a blue background.

Around midcentury, milk was viewed as one of humankind's most important foods. Advertisers and scientists alike had convinced the public that milk was a supremely healthy, nourishing, even life-giving substance. Its almost mystical whiteness was, for perhaps the only time in its history, matched by its hygienic purity and popular appeal. 

An article that appeared in the Tribune-Republican of Greeley, Colorado in September of 1932 explained the need for raising funds for milk for needy families. Becoming a member in the “Quart A Day” club means that a person will contribute funds to reduce the cost of milk for needy families. As a result of the Depression many unemployed families were in need of nutrients and milk was a critical source of nutrients. The Greeley nurses also explained that as the winter season approached the milk situation would become more serious. “Quart A Day” club members could finance a half-gallon or two quarts of milk for 80 or 76 cents per month. Other organizations such as the Woman’s Club would continue to support undernourished school children.


Red text centered on white background.

Categorized as "short shorts," hot pants commonly have an inseam length of 2 inches (50 mm) or less. These are short, tight shorts, usually made of cotton, nylon, or some other common material. They were popularized by fashion designer Mary Quant in London during the the mid 1960s. "Hot Pants (She Got to Use What She Got to Get What She Wants)" was also the title of a 1971 song by James Brown.

Ornate black text on white background. 

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Blue text on dark red stylized shape and red text surrounded by red and blue. 

Holy Ravioli was a classic Robin saying from the original Batman T.V. series in the 1960s. 

Gray illustration of a squirrel wearing a red jacket. Black text on top half of button. White background. 

Happy Jack's Thrift Club was the creation of conservationist and children's author, Thornton W. Burgess. In his autobiography, Burgess explains how a local committee in Massachusetts appealed to him to create a character to generate young people's interest in War Savings Stamps & Bonds. According to the Thornton W. Burgess Society, Burgess wrote over 170 books and 15,000 stories.

Blue illustration of  young girl holding a toothbrush and a completion note on white background. White text on dark blue background (top); dark blue text on white background (bottom). 

These types of buttons were often given out to children after they had a successful checkup at the dentist, much like children often receive a toy or sticker when they visit the dentist today. 

Dark blue text on white background with blue outer rim. 

The Superintendent of Boston Public Schools notes in the Annual Report from 1948-1949 that "In the Boston Public Elementary Schools special attention is given to the development of good posture. Last March, for example, the second week of the month was designated as  'Good Posture Week.' This excellent innovation brought great profit to the children." 

Open book on gold background. Dark blue text centered on book and white text outlined in red above and below book. White text on dark blue rim. 

Commonly formulated as “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you” (negatively: “Do not do unto others what you would not have others do unto you”), the Golden Rule is so called because it has long been thought of inestimable worth as a first principle of morals. It can be traced back to Confucious  (551-479 B.C.E.) and the Old Testament, and the expression is often specifically used to refer to the precept in Luke: “As ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise” (6:31), as well as to that in Matthew: “All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.” (7:12) 

"Golden Rule." Encyclopedia of Ethics. London: Routledge, 2001. 

Sepia image of Theodore Roosevelt. Text in white on bottom. 

Still the youngest president in American history at the age of 43, Teddy Roosevelt entered the White House after President McKinley's untimely death on September 14th, 1901. Roosevelt's energetic, reformist, and charismatic style of leadership had been a stark contrast to the stoic, soft-spoken sensibilities of the figures who had preceded him.

"First Voters" clubs sprang up across college campuses throughout the first half of 1904 to help ensure Roosevelt's success on election day later that year. TR won in a landslide victory, thanks in large part to the strong, vocal support of young men across campuses and elsewhere.

In November 1902, Roosevelt refused to shoot a bear that had been run down by dogs and lassoed. A cartoon by Clifford Berryman made the incident instantly famous, and Roosevelt was dubbed "Teddy Bear."