An Unofficial History
Buttons were first patented in 1896 and their initial popularity
was spurred by the McKinley-Bryan presidential campaign as well as
by manufacturers eager to advertise their products in a new and
creative manner. During WWI, lithographed buttons were used to promote war rationing campaigns.
During
the first part of the century, buttons became a popular way to promote products, politicians, celebrities, businesses,
events, landmarks, slogans, cartoons, musicians and almost
everything else. Buttons were loved by the public and businesses
alike because they made exciting, unique fashion accessories and
weren't as heavy or uncomfortable as wearing a sandwich board. It
was also a time when people weren't bombarded by advertising and
wearing a button was a small way for people to
celebrate the vitality of the new American industrial age.
Button popularity surged again in the 1960's. They became a
fashionable way for people (hippies included) to champion their
favorite bands, artists, and political causes. Then in the late
1970's Punk bands adopted the one-inch button style.
| Bunches of Buttons at Amazon.com! |
