Buzz
Are you a fan of buttons? Specifically, the classic pinback variety that can be attached to your outfit to showcase your support for political figures, catchphrases, or even ALF? If so, a visit to Chicago is a must. This city houses the sole pinback button museum in existence, managed by the Busy Beaver Button Company.
As reported by Atlas Obscura, the museum was established in 2010 by button enthusiast Christen Carter. Carter, who previously resided in England where buttons, or 'badges,' are still widely popular, started crafting buttons in 1995. Recognizing the importance of preserving this unique form of expression, she created a physical space to display both historical and contemporary buttons. The museum features approximately 4500 buttons on display, with an additional 25,000 stored away. Beyond vintage pieces, the Busy Beaver also offers custom button designs created by artists such as cartoonist Chris Ware and artist Francine Spiegel.
Provided by the Busy Beaver Button CompanyThe pinback button was first patented in 1896 by Whitehead & Hoag, a company based in Newark, New Jersey. This innovation replaced older metal buttons with glass surfaces. Featuring a plastic celluloid cover to encase paper images or illustrations and a pin for attaching to clothing, these buttons gained widespread popularity due to their low production costs. Both William McKinley and William Jennings Bryan utilized them during the presidential election that year. Inspired by a recent solar eclipse, McKinley's buttons portrayed him 'eclipsing' Bryan, who retaliated with buttons vowing to do the same to McKinley.
Originally designed for political campaigns, these buttons evolved throughout the 20th century to showcase a wide range of themes, including characters, slogans, and various imagery.
The museum is situated at 3407 W. Armitage Avenue in Chicago and operates from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
