Industry & Manufacturing

Eli Terry Mass-Produced Clock

The Museum's collections document centuries of remarkable changes in products, manufacturing processes, and the role of industry in American life. In the bargain, they preserve artifacts of great ingenuity, intricacy, and sometimes beauty.

The carding and spinning machinery built by Samuel Slater about 1790 helped establish the New England textile industry. Nylon-manufacturing machinery in the collections helped remake the same industry more than a century later. Machine tools from the 1850s are joined by a machine that produces computer chips. Thousands of patent models document the creativity of American innovators over more than 200 years.

The collections reach far beyond tools and machines. Some 460 episodes of the television series Industry on Parade celebrate American industry in the 1950s. Numerous photographic collections are a reminder of the scale and even the glamour of American industry.

Resource Type: Tokens

George McClellan Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and tokens.
Obverse: Bust of George McClellan facing left. The legend reads: MAJ. GEN. G. B. McCLELLAN, PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
depicted
McClellan, George B.
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1541
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1541

Dix Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this token around 1860. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this token around 1860. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods. With the Civil War starting, Secretary of the Treasury James Dix sent a telegram to Treasury agents in Louisiana: "If any one attempts to haul down the American flag, shoot him on the spot." This quote is on the token’s reverse.
Obverse: U.S. flag surrounded by 13 stars. Legend: THE FLAG OF THE UNION.
Reverse: IF ANYBODY ATTEMPTS TO TEAR IT DOWN/ SHOOT HIM ON THE SPOT/ DIX.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1604
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1604

Detroit & Canada Tunnel Company Fare Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and transportation tokens. The center of the token has been punched out to leave a “T” shape.
Obverse: The legend reads: DETROIT & CANADA/TUNNEL CO.
Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR/ONE FARE
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Detroit & Canada Tunnel Company
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1360
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1360

Lehigh Traction Company Fare Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and transportation tokens. There are four holes punched in the center of the token.
Obverse: The legend reads: LEHIGH TRACTION CO./ HAZLETON, PA.
Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR ONE FARE/ C. B. Houck/ V. PRES.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Lehigh Traction Company
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1405
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1405

Manila Electric Company Fare Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and transportation tokens. The center of the token is inscribed with a “1,”and has two semi-circles indented on the obverse, and two semi-circles protruding on the reverse.
Obverse: The legend reads: MANILA ELECTRIC CO.
Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR ONE/FIRST CLASS FARE
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Manila Electric Company
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1412
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1412

Delaware River Bridge Line Fare Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and transportation tokens. Philadelphia Rapid Transit used this token.
Obverse: The legend reads: DELAWARE RIVER/PRT/BRIDGE LINE
Reverse: The legend reads: PHILADELPHIA/BRIDGE TOKEN/CAMDEN
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1356
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1356

Collazo, Perez Guerra & Co. Advertising Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this advertising token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this advertising token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and tokens.
Obverse: The legend reads: COLLAZO, PEREZ GUERRA & CO./ 2.
Reverse: The legend reads: HACIENDA DE CAFE/ JUANA DIAZ/ SEMIL.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1548
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1548

Mitad Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this token during the late 19th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this token during the late 19th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and tokens.
Obverse: The legend reads: MITAD.
Reverse: The legend reads: F.W.S. SANTANDER.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 19th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1543
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1543

Havana Electric Railway Company Fare Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and transportation tokens. The center of the token is cut out in the shape of a combined “HE.”
Obverse: The legend reads: HAVANA ELECTRIC RY. CO.
Reverse: The legend reads: VALE POR UN PASAJE.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Havana Electric Railway Co.
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1377
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1377

Shurtleff College Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and tokens.
Obverse: Bust of a man (possibly Dr. Brendon Shurtleff) facing forward. The legend reads: CHILDRENS PROFESSORSHIP/ 1867.
Reverse: Image of Shurtleff College. The legend reads: SHURTLEFF COLLEGE/ CHARTERED 1835.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1867
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1530
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1530

Missouri Single Mill Sales Tax Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this sales tax token around 1935. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this sales tax token around 1935. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and tokens. This token was used when the sales tax was less than a cent.
Obverse: Image of the state of Missouri, with “1” in the center. The legend reads: MISSOURI SALES TAX RECEIPT/ 1.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1935
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1549
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1549

Washington Street Railway Company Fare Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and transportation tokens. This token has a hole in the center.
Obverse: The legend reads: WASHINGTON ST. RAILWAY CO./ HALF FARE.
Reverse: The legend reads: WASHINGTON ST. RAILWAY CO./ HALF FARE.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Washington Street Railway Co.
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1461
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1461

Cape Girardeau - Jackson Interurban Railway Company Fare Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and transportation tokens.
Obverse: The legend reads: CAPE GIRARDEAU-JACKSON INTERURBAN RY. CO./SAMUEL BARNES/GENERAL MANAGER.
Reverse: The legend reads: CAPE GIRARDEAU-JACKSON INTERURBAN RY. CO./SAMUEL BARNES/GENERAL MANAGER.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Cape Girardeau-Jackson Interurban Railway Company
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1335
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1335

Oskaloosa Traction and Lighting Fare Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and transportation tokens.
Obverse: Image of an electric streetcar in the center. The legend reads: OSKALOOSA T. & L CO./ ONE FARE.
Reverse: Image of an electric streetcar in the center. The legend reads: OSKALOOSA T. & L CO./ ONE FARE.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Oskaloosa Traction & Light Co.
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1422
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1422

Sioux City Service Company Fare Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and transportation tokens.
Obverse: The legend reads: SIOUX CITY SERVICE CO./ ONE FARE.
Reverse: The legend reads: SIOUX CITY SERVICE CO./ ONE FARE.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Sioux City Service Co.
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1447
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1447

Missouri Single Mill Sales Tax Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this sales tax token around 1935. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this sales tax token around 1935. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and tokens. This token was used when the sales tax was less than a cent. There is a hole in the center of the token.
Obverse: Image of the state of Missouri, with “1” in the center. The legend reads: MISSOURI SALES TAX RECEIPT/ 1.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1935
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1550
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1550

Washington Street Railway Company Fare Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and transportation tokens.
Obverse: The legend reads: WASHINGTON ST. RAILWAY CO./ HALF FARE.
Reverse: The legend reads: WASHINGTON ST. RAILWAY CO./ HALF FARE.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Washington Street Railway Co.
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1462
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1462

Strassburger & Nuhn Advertising Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this advertising token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this advertising token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and tokens. There is a hole in the top of the token.
Obverse: Bust of George Washington facing forward. Legend: GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Reverse: Image of the Capitol. Legend: STRASSBUR(GE)R & NUHN/ CORNER, MAIDEN LANE & WILLIAM STREET NEW YORK./ CAPITOL AT WASHINGTON.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
depicted
Washington, George
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1544
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1544

Laconia Street Railway Fare Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and transportation tokens. There is a small round hole in the center of this token.
Obverse: The legend reads: LACONIA/ONE FARE/ST. RAILWAY CO.
Reverse: The legend reads: LACONIA/ONE FARE/ST. RAILWAY CO.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Laconia Street Railway Co.
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1403
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1403

Plattsburgh Traction Company Fare Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and transportation tokens. The center of the token is punched out to leave a “P” shape.
Obverse: The legend reads: PITTSBURGH TRACTION CO.
Reverse: The legend reads: PITTSBURGH TRACTION CO.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Plattsburgh Traction Company
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1438
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1438

Southern New England Telephone Company Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and transportation tokens. The token has a hole in the center.
Obverse: The legend reads: S.N.E.T.CO./DIME TOKEN
Reverse: The legend reads: S.N.E.T.CO./DIME TOKEN
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Southern New England Telephone Company
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1449
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1449

Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this telephone token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this telephone token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and transportation tokens. There is a hole punched in the center of the token.
Obverse: The legend reads: C. & P. TEL. CO./ DIME TOKEN.
Reverse: The legend reads: C. & P. TEL. CO./ DIME TOKEN.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1588
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1588

Cooke Street Line Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and transportation tokens. The obverse side is slightly defaced.
Obverse: The legend reads :WATERBURY CONN./CSL
Reverse: The legend reads: CSL.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Cooke Street Line, Inc.
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1353
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1353

Kanji Telephone Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this telephone token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this telephone token during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and transportation tokens. This token is a Japanese or Chinese telephone token.
Obverse: Kanji characters.
Reverse: Kanji characters.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1365
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1365

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