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.

Date: 2000s

Philadelphia & Camden Ferry 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 is a hole in the center of the token, and a smaller hole at the top.
Obverse: The legend reads: PHILA & CAMDEN FERRY CO.
Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR ONE PASSENGER.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Philadelphia & Camden Ferry Co.
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1583
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1583

Henry Fussell 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: Image of two parasols. The legend reads: MANUFACTURER OF SUNSHADES & C./ CHEAP FOR CASH.
Reverse: The legend reads: HENRY B. FUSSELL/ NO. 2 N. FOURTH ST N.W. CORNER OF MARKET ST. PHILADELPHIA.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1510
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1510

Johnstown 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. This token has a hole in the center.
Obverse: The legend reads: JOHNSTOWN TRACTION COMPANY/ ONE FARE.
Reverse: The legend reads: JOHNSTOWN TRACTION COMPANY/ ONE FARE.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Johnstown Traction Company
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1391
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1391

Chester A. Arthur Commemorative Token

This commemorative token was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut during the mid-20th century. Scovill was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This commemorative token was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut during the mid-20th century. Scovill 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, and campaign medals.
Obverse: Bust of Chester A. Arthur facing right. Legend: 21st PRESIDENT, U.S.A./1881-1885/CHESTER A. ARTHUR.
Reverse: "OUR CHET"/ Q.M. GENERAL IN THE CIVIL WAR/COLLECTOR OF PORT OF NEW YORK/ VICE PRESIDENT/BECAME PRESIDENT UPON DEATH OF GARFIELD/ FAVORED CIVIL SERVICE PROMOTION/"FIRST GENTLEMAN OF THE LAND."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
mid 20th century
depicted
Arthur, Chester A.
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1654
catalog number
1981.0296.1654
accession number
1981.0296

Fullington Auto Bus 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 is stamped out in a way that leaves an “F” shape.
Obverse: The legend reads: FULLINGTON AUTO BUS CO. INC.
Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR/ONE FARE
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Fullington Auto Bus Co. Inc.
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1371
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1371

George Washington Masonic Memorial Medal

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this medal 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 medal 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: Image of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. The legend reads: GEORGE WASHINGTON MASONIC NATIONAL MEMORIAL/ ALEXANDRIA VIRGINIA.
Reverse: Image of the Masonic symbol of the G inside a square and compass.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1580
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1580

Philadelphia & Camden Ferry 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 is a hole in the center of the token.
Obverse: The legend reads: PHILA & CAMDEN FERRY CO.
Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR ONE PASSENGER
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Philadelphia & Camden Ferry Co.
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1433
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1433

Nashville Railway and Light 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 this token is punched out to leave the shape of an “N.”
Obverse: Two stars. The legend reads: NASHVILLE RY. & LT. CO.
Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR/ONE FARE
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Nashville Railway & Light Co.
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1416
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1416

Buffalo 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 circular hole in the center of the token.
Obverse: The legend reads: B.T.CO.BUFFALO/NICKEL TOKEN
Reverse: The legend reads: B.T.CO.BUFFALO/NICKEL TOKEN
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1330
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1330

Williamsport Transit 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. Two semi-circles are punched out of the center of the token.
Obverse: Image of a bus in the center. The legend reads: WILLIAMSPORT TRANS. CO.
Reverse: Image of a bus in the center. The legend reads: GOOD FOR/ONE FARE
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Williamsport Transportation Co.
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1468
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1468

International Railway 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 center of the token is punched out to leave the shape of an “I.”
Obverse: The legend reads: INTERNATIONAL RAILWAY CO.
Reverse: The legend reads: 10¢ TOKEN.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
International Railway Company
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1387
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1387

Alexandria Barcroft & Washington Transit 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 this token is punched out, leaving the shape of a “V.”
Obverse: The legend reads: A.B.&W. TRANSIT CO./1.
Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR FARE.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
A. B. & W. Transit Company
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1315
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1315

The New York Sun 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: Image of a sun with rays emitting from the center. The legend reads: THE NEW YORK SUN
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1486
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1486

Bridgeport Auto Transit 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 stamped with a "B.”
Obverse: The legend reads: BRIDGEPORT AUTO TRANSIT CO.
Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR ONE FARE.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Bridgeport Auto Transit Company
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1326
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1326

I. W. Harper Whiskey 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: I. W. HARPER/ NELSON COUNTY/ KY.
Reverse: The legend reads: GOLD MEDAL WHISKEY.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
I. W. Harper
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1507
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1507

Bristol 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 bears an interlocking “BT.”
Obverse: The legend reads: BRISTOL TRACTION CO.
Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR ONE FARE.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Bristol Traction Company
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1327
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1327

Grover Cleveland Commemorative Token

This commemorative token was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut during the mid-20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This commemorative token was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut during the mid-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, and campaign medals.
Obverse: Bust of Grover Cleveland facing right. Legend: 22nd & 24th PRESIDENT, U.S.A./1885-1889 1893-1897/GROVER CLEVELAND
Reverse: Legend reads: "OLD GROVER"/MAYOR OF BUFFALO/GOVERNOR OF NEW YORK/FAVORED TARIFF REDUCTION/ EXPANDED CIVIL SERVICE/ SHOWED KEEN TACT IN HIS FOREIGN POLICY/"THE MAN OF DESTINY."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
mid 20th century
depicted
Cleveland, Grover
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1648
catalog number
1981.0296.1648
accession number
1981.0296

Pilar 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, and coins.
Obverse: The legend reads: PILAR
Reverse: The legend reads: PILAR
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1472
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1472

Franklin D. Roosevelt Commemorative Token

This commemorative token was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut during the mid-20th century. Scovill was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This commemorative token was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut during the mid-20th century. Scovill 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.
Obverse: Bust of Franklin D. Roosevelt facing left. Legend: 32nd PRESIDENT, U.S.A./1933-1945/FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT.
Reverse: "A NEW DEAL"/ ASST. SEC. OF THE NAVY/ GOVERNOR OF NEW YORK/ WAS MADE PRESIDENT DURING A PERIOD OF GREAT ECONOMIC DEPRESSION/ BECAME THE FIRST U.S. PRESIDENT TO BE ELECTED FOR FOUR TERMS/ "ONWARD AMERICA.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
mid 20th century
depicted
Roosevelt, Franklin Delano
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1655
catalog number
1981.0296.1655
accession number
1981.0296

Bristol 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 stamped with an interlocking “BT.”
Obverse: The legend reads: BRISTOL TRACTION CO.
Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR ONE FARE.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1628
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1628

Blank Metal 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. This token bears no markings.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1665
catalog number
1981.0296.1665
accession number
1981.0296

Peabody Hotel 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: Image of a top hat. The legend reads: PEABODY HOTEL, 307 MAIN ST.
Reverse: Image of an eagle with shield, gripping arrows in one talon and an olive branch in the other. The legend reads: FRANCISCO & WIGGIN, MEMPHIS.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1492
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1492

Worcester 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. The token has a heart-shape punched out of the center.
Obverse: The legend reads: WORCESTER STREET RWY CO
Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR/ONE FARE
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Worcester Street Railway Co.
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1469
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1469

International 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 removed to leave an “I” shape.
Obverse: The legend reads: INT. RY. CO. BUFFALO.
Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR ONE CITY FARE.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
International Railway Company
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1389
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1389

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