Political Buttons Hung For Fourth Of July
Since at least 1980 I have collected political buttons. My collection has grown over the years by working on campaigns, attending state political conventions, and stopping at antique stores. It is not a real huge collection, as I am not so much a serious collector as just an admirer of the political campaigns. But I am rather proud of the ones I own. Each one of them tells a story about a candidate, political party, or issue that makes for a fascinating part of our nation’s history.
When I worked at the Wisconsin Statehouse I had a huge display of my buttons on a cloth push-pin board on an office wall. It generated conversations from visitors and lobbyists alike. Years after I met James, and we had moved into our home, he fashioned a visually attractive way to hang the buttons. Having sewing skills does come in handy!
The buttons are displayed for patriotic days, such as the Fourth of July when friends will gather, or during election night parties. Buttons such as these weave a rich tapestry about our nation’s political story, and I am always amused at how people respond when looking backwards in time.
