Guess where I went?
The Button Museum!! Yes, random but a fun 30 mins.
You know how sometimes you stumble upon the most unexpected places and they end up being surprisingly delightful? That's exactly how I felt after my visit to the Busy Beaver Button Museum! I only planned for a quick 30 minutes, but it turned into such a fascinating little adventure. From the moment I saw the green door with its unique circular window, I knew I was in for something special. Inside, it's a vibrant explosion of history and pop culture, all encapsulated in those tiny, iconic circles we call buttons. It's not just a collection; it's a journey through American history, social movements, and pure nostalgia. One of the highlights for me was seeing the incredible array of historical political campaign buttons. Imagine standing in front of a display featuring a George Washington inaugural button! And then there's an Abraham Lincoln pin-back from the 1864 election – truly a piece of history. Further along, I spotted buttons for various US presidential elections, with names like Carter, McGovern, Kennedy, Reagan, Mondale, Ferraro, and even a yellow 'Jesse Jackson for President 1988' button. It really makes you think about how these small objects captured the zeitgeist of their eras. But it's not all serious history! The museum is also packed with incredibly quirky and humorous buttons. I couldn't help but chuckle at one that boldly declared, 'I'VE BEEN TO THE 'WHOREHOUSE' & I LOVED IT!' and another simple yet iconic 'I SAW E.T.'. There were drawers overflowing with smiley face buttons of every color, and display cases dedicated to pop culture icons like the Chicago Bears, DEVO, Def Leppard, and even Michael Jackson. Seeing a 'THE ROLLING STONES' button next to one celebrating 'PUERTO RICO' really highlighted the diverse stories these pins tell. And yes, I even spotted the beloved 'MR GREEDY' from the Mr. Men series! It’s amazing how much storytelling can be packed into such a small space. Each button is a miniature piece of art, a political statement, a fan declaration, or a funny quip. You can easily lose yourself browsing through the vast collection, wondering about the stories behind each one. It's a testament to the power of everyday objects to reflect our culture and history. While my visit was indeed around 30 minutes, it felt much longer in the best possible way. It’s a perfect pit stop for anyone who loves unique museums, history, or just a good dose of quirky fun. If you're ever in the area, I highly recommend checking out the Busy Beaver Button Museum. It’s a genuine hidden gem that offers a surprising amount of charm and fascinating insights, making for a truly memorable, if brief, experience. You might just find your new favorite piece of historical or pop culture memorabilia!
