Women in World War I -- Pins & Buttons
Pins & Buttons
Much like the use of military insignia to identify its wearer by association with an organization and his/her achievements, the pins and buttons in this section were meant to be worn by Americans on the home front during World War I to show their membership in an organization and/or their contribution to a particular war effort, such as the United War Work Campaign. The pins and buttons displayed the wearer's patriotism and generosity and undoubtedly also served to prompt others to become involved in the various war efforts. Women were heavily involved in the organizations and war efforts with which these objects are associated.
The pins and buttons showcased in this section are from the Division of Medicine and Science’s collection of celluloid objects, donated by two enthusiastic celluloid collectors. Celluloid is a thin, highly flammable plastic first created in 1856 by Alexander Parkes, although not patented as "celluloid" until 1869 under the auspices of inventor John Wesley Hyatt. It was widely used as film for movies and photography up through the 1950s. Celluloid was an excellent material for making jewelry, particularly because it was much cheaper to manufacture and could imitate finer materials like ivory. Other items once made with celluloid include—but are by no means limited to—postcards, game pieces, knitting needles, toys, and matchbox covers, two of which are also included in this section. Today celluloid is still used in the production of ping pong balls and guitar picks.
Further Resources
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I Helped War Chest
- Description (Brief)
- Plastic pin with metal back. This gold-colored pin shows both a shield in the colors of the U.S. flag and a chest full of gold coins. It reads, "I Helped War Chest." Attached is a plastic red, white, and blue ribbon.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1918
- maker
- Whitehead & Hoag Company
- ID Number
- 2006.0098.0263
- accession number
- 2006.0098
- catalog number
- 2006.0098.0263
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Fatherless Children of France
- Description (Brief)
- Pin for the Fatherless Children of France Society. The group was established to unite French orphans with American "godparents" through charitable giving. On the front is an image of a woman standing behind two children, against a green background. Green print on reverse reads, "10 cents a day // $3.00 a month // $36.50 a year saves a child for France." Mrs. Walter S. Brewster is listed as the chairman.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1915-1920
- maker
- Whitehead & Hoag Company
- ID Number
- 2006.0098.0130
- accession number
- 2006.0098
- catalog number
- 2006.0098.0130
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
United War Work Campaign Pin
- Description (Brief)
- Straight pin-back United War Work Campaign pin. The pin is a flat, white square with a blue circle. Text in the circle says “United War Work Campaign.” Within the circle is a red shield that says “For The Boys Over There.”
- The United War Work Campaign was a joint effort undertaken by seven voluntary organizations active during World War I: the National War Work Council of the YMCA, the War Work Council of the YWCA, the National Catholic War Council (Knights of Columbus), the Jewish Welfare Board, the War Camp Community Service, the American Library Association, and the Salvation Army. The aim of the campaign was for these seven organizations to raise at least $170,500,000 in subscriptions and pledges during the week of November 11–18, 1918, to help boost American soldiers’ morale and provide them with recreational activities.
- Much like the use of military insignia to identify its wearer (by association with an organization) and his/her achievements, these pins and buttons were meant to be worn by Americans on the home front during World War I to show their membership in an organization and/or their contribution to a particular war effort, such as the United War Work Campaign. The pins and buttons displayed the wearer’s patriotism and generosity and undoubtedly also served to prompt others to become similarly involved in the various war efforts.
- SOURCE:
- “United War Work Campaign,” Committee on Public Information, Bulletin 42, 1918.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1918
- maker
- Whitehead & Hoag Company
- ID Number
- 2006.0098.0255
- accession number
- 2006.0098
- catalog number
- 2006.0098.0255
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
United War Work Campaign Pin
- Description (Brief)
- Straight pin-back United War Work Campaign pin. The pin is a flat, blue rectangle with white print that reads “United War Work Campaign.” Within the rectangle is a white square with a red shield. The shield has white text that reads “For The Boys Over There.”
- The United War Work Campaign was a joint effort undertaken by seven voluntary organizations active during World War I: the National War Work Council of the YMCA, the War Work Council of the YWCA, the National Catholic War Council (Knights of Columbus), the Jewish Welfare Board, the War Camp Community Service, the American Library Association, and the Salvation Army. The aim of the campaign was for these seven organizations to raise at least $170,500,000 in subscriptions and pledges during the week of November 11–18, 1918, to help boost American soldiers’ morale and provide them with recreational activities.
- Much like the use of military insignia to identify its wearer (by association with an organization) and his/her achievements, these pins and buttons were meant to be worn by Americans on the home front during World War I to show their membership in an organization and/or their contribution to a particular war effort, such as the United War Work Campaign. The pins and buttons displayed the wearer’s patriotism and generosity and undoubtedly also served to prompt others to become similarly involved in the various war efforts.
- SOURCE:
- “United War Work Campaign,” Committee on Public Information, Bulletin 42, 1918.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1914-1918
- maker
- Whitehead & Hoag Company
- ID Number
- 2006.0098.0256
- accession number
- 2006.0098
- catalog number
- 2006.0098.0256
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
2nd War Fund Pin
- Description (Brief)
- Clip-on pin for the Second Red Cross War Fund. The pin is a white rectangle with a blue border. A red cross is in the center of the pin. Blue print reads “2nd War Fund.”
- The American Red Cross was one of the major organizations that conducted relief work during World War I. The Second Red Cross War Drive occurred from May 20–27, 1918, in an effort to raise at least $100,000,000 for the support of the organization’s work.
- Much like the use of military insignia to identify its wearer (by association with an organization) and his/her achievements, these pins and buttons were meant to be worn by Americans on the home front during World War I to show their membership in an organization and/or their contribution to a particular war effort, such as the United War Work Campaign. The pins and buttons displayed the wearer’s patriotism and generosity and undoubtedly also served to prompt others to become similarly involved in the various war efforts.
- SOURCE:
- The Work of the American Red Cross During the War: A Statement of Finances and Accomplishments for the Period July 1, 1917, to February 28, 1919 (Washington, D.C.: American Red Cross, 1919), 16–19. archive.org/stream/cu31924027870777.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1918
- ID Number
- 2006.0098.0257
- accession number
- 2006.0098
- catalog number
- 2006.0098.0257
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
2nd War Fund Pin
- Description (Brief)
- Clip-on pin for the Second Red Cross War Fund. The pin is a white rectangle with a dark blue border. A red cross is in the center of the pin. Dark blue print reads “2nd War Fund.”
- The American Red Cross was one of the major organizations that conducted relief work during World War I. The Second Red Cross War Drive occurred from May 20–27, 1918, in an effort to raise at least $100,000,000 for the support of the organization’s work.
- Much like the use of military insignia to identify its wearer (by association with an organization) and his/her achievements, these pins and buttons were meant to be worn by Americans on the home front during World War I to show their membership in an organization and/or their contribution to a particular war effort, such as the United War Work Campaign. The pins and buttons displayed the wearer’s patriotism and generosity and undoubtedly also served to prompt others to become similarly involved in the various war efforts.
- SOURCE:
- The Work of the American Red Cross During the War: A Statement of Finances and Accomplishments for the Period July 1, 1917, to February 28, 1919 (Washington, D.C.: American Red Cross, 1919), 16–19. archive.org/stream/cu31924027870777.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1918
- ID Number
- 2006.0098.0258
- accession number
- 2006.0098
- catalog number
- 2006.0098.0258
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
United War Work Campaign Pin
- Description (Brief)
- Straight pin-back United War Work Campaign pin. The pin is a flat red, white, and blue rectangle. White text in the red portion reads “I Gave For The Boys.” Blue text in the white portion reads “Did You?” White text in the blue portion reads “United War Work Campaign.”
- The United War Work Campaign was a joint effort undertaken by seven voluntary organizations active during World War I: the National War Work Council of the YMCA, the War Work Council of the YWCA, the National Catholic War Council (Knights of Columbus), the Jewish Welfare Board, the War Camp Community Service, the American Library Association, and the Salvation Army. The aim of the campaign was for these seven organizations to raise at least $170,500,000 in subscriptions and pledges during the week of November 11–18, 1918, to help boost American soldiers’ morale and provide them with recreational activities.
- Much like the use of military insignia to identify its wearer (by association with an organization) and his/her achievements, these pins and buttons were meant to be worn by Americans on the home front during World War I to show their membership in an organization and/or their contribution to a particular war effort, such as the United War Work Campaign. The pins and buttons displayed the wearer’s patriotism and generosity and undoubtedly also served to prompt others to become similarly involved in the various war efforts.
- SOURCE:
- “United War Work Campaign,” Committee on Public Information, Bulletin 42, 1918.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1918
- maker
- Whitehead & Hoag Company
- ID Number
- 2006.0098.0261
- accession number
- 2006.0098
- catalog number
- 2006.0098.0261
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Fourth Liberty Loan Pin
- Description (Brief)
- Round Fourth Liberty Loan pin with metal pin-back. The pin is blue with white print that reads “Fourth Liberty Loan.” The image of a red, white, and blue flag is in the center of the pin. A red, white, and blue plastic ribbon is attached to the pin. Blue text on the white portion reads “Volunteer.”
- The Fourth Liberty Loan was part of the larger effort by the U.S. government to sell war bonds (also known as Liberty Bonds) during World War I to defray the expense of war. These bonds were issued by the U.S. Treasury. The Fourth Liberty Bond Act was passed by Congress on July 9, 1918, and the bonds began issuance in September 1918.
- Much like the use of military insignia to identify its wearer (by association with an organization) and his/her achievements, these pins and buttons were meant to be worn by Americans on the home front during World War I to show their membership in an organization and/or their contribution to a particular war effort, such as the United War Work Campaign. The pins and buttons displayed the wearer’s patriotism and generosity and undoubtedly also served to prompt others to become similarly involved in the various war efforts.
- SOURCE:
- Treasury Department, Liberty Loan Acts (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1921). books.google.com/books?id=4qFAAAAAYAAJ.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1918
- ID Number
- 2006.0098.0264
- accession number
- 2006.0098
- catalog number
- 2006.0098.0264
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Third Liberty Loan Pin
- Description (Brief)
- Round Third Liberty Loan pin with metal pin-back. The pin is blue with a red border. White print reads “Third Liberty Loan.” An image of the Liberty Bell is in the center of the pin. A red, white, and blue plastic ribbon is attached to the pin. Blue text on the white portion reads “Volunteer.”
- The Third Liberty Loan was part of the larger effort by the U.S. government to sell war bonds (also known as Liberty Bonds) during World War I to defray the expense of war. These bonds were issued by the U.S. Treasury. The Third Liberty Bond Act was passed by Congress on April 4, 1918, and the bonds began issuance shortly thereafter.
- Much like the use of military insignia to identify its wearer (by association with an organization) and his/her achievements, these pins and buttons were meant to be worn by Americans on the home front during World War I to show their membership in an organization and/or their contribution to a particular war effort, such as the United War Work Campaign. The pins and buttons displayed the wearer’s patriotism and generosity and undoubtedly also served to prompt others to become similarly involved in the various war efforts.
- SOURCE:
- Treasury Department, Liberty Loan Acts (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1921). books.google.com/books?id=4qFAAAAAYAAJ.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1918
- maker
- Whitehead & Hoag Company
- ID Number
- 2006.0098.0265
- accession number
- 2006.0098
- catalog number
- 2006.0098.0265
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Liberty Loan Pin
- Description (Brief)
- Round Liberty Loan pin with metal pin-back. The pin is blue with a white “V” in the center. White text reads “Liberty Loan.” A red, white, and blue plastic ribbon is attached to the pin. Blue text on the white portion reads “Volunteer.”
- Liberty Loans were part of the U.S. government’s effort to sell war bonds (also known as Liberty Bonds) during World War I to defray the expense of war. These bonds were issued by the U.S. Treasury. The First Liberty Bond Act was passed by Congress on April 24, 1917, and the bonds began issuance shortly thereafter.
- Much like the use of military insignia to identify its wearer (by association with an organization) and his/her achievements, these pins and buttons were meant to be worn by Americans on the home front during World War I to show their membership in an organization and/or their contribution to a particular war effort, such as the United War Work Campaign. The pins and buttons displayed the wearer’s patriotism and generosity and undoubtedly also served to prompt others to become similarly involved in the various war efforts.
- SOURCE:
- Treasury Department, Liberty Loan Acts (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1921). books.google.com/books?id=4qFAAAAAYAAJ.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1917
- maker
- American Art Works
- ID Number
- 2006.0098.0266
- accession number
- 2006.0098
- catalog number
- 2006.0098.0266
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Sunbeams Button
- Description (Brief)
- Round button with an image of a yellow and red sun rising over a blue ocean-like horizon. White text on the blue horizon reads “Sunbeams.” A red, white, and blue plastic ribbon is attached to the pin. Blue text on the white portion reads “Volunteer.”
- Sunbeams were an offshoot of the Salvation Army’s Life-Saving Girl Guards that was specifically targeted for younger girls (approximately ages six to eleven). The first Girl Guard group appeared in London in 1915. This initial troop of Girl Guards learned homemaking and outdoor living skills such as cooking and camping. The Salvation Army was a major organization in fundraising for the war effort and doing relief work during World War I, and it is well known for serving fresh doughnuts to American soldiers on the front lines during the war. Today the Salvation Army still has Girl Guards and Sunbeams around the world. Both groups focus on spiritual, social, mental, and physical growth through a variety of activities such as camps, field trips, and service projects.
- Much like the use of military insignia to identify its wearer (by association with an organization) and his/her achievements, these pins and buttons were meant to be worn by Americans on the home front during World War I to show their membership in an organization and/or their contribution to a particular war effort, such as the United War Work Campaign. The pins and buttons displayed the wearer’s patriotism and generosity and undoubtedly also served to prompt others to become similarly involved in the various war efforts.
- SOURCE:
- “Girl Guards and Sunbeams,” The Salvation Army, salvationarmyalm.org/youthministries/girl-guards-and-sunbeams.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1917-1918
- ID Number
- 2006.0098.0267
- accession number
- 2006.0098
- catalog number
- 2006.0098.0267
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
2nd War Fund Button
- Description (Brief)
- Straight pin-back Second Red Cross War Fund pin. The pin is a white rectangle with a blue border. A red cross is in the center of the pin. Blue print reads “2nd War Fund.”
- The American Red Cross was one of the major organizations that conducted relief work during World War I. The Second Red Cross War Drive occurred from May 20–27, 1918, in an effort to raise at least $100,000,000 for the support of the organization’s work.
- Much like the use of military insignia to identify its wearer (by association with an organization) and his/her achievements, these pins and buttons were meant to be worn by Americans on the home front during World War I to show their membership in an organization and/or their contribution to a particular war effort, such as the United War Work Campaign. The pins and buttons displayed the wearer’s patriotism and generosity and undoubtedly also served to prompt others to become similarly involved in the various war efforts.
- SOURCE:
- The Work of the American Red Cross During the War: A Statement of Finances and Accomplishments for the Period July 1, 1917, to February 28, 1919 (Washington, D.C.: American Red Cross, 1919), 16–19. archive.org/stream/cu31924027870777.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1918
- ID Number
- 2006.0098.0268
- accession number
- 2006.0098
- catalog number
- 2006.0098.0268
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
2nd War Fund Button
- Description (Brief)
- Second Red Cross War Fund button. The button is a white circle with a dark blue border. A red cross is in the center of the button. Blue print reads “2nd War Fund.”
- The American Red Cross was one of the major organizations that conducted relief work during World War I. The Second Red Cross War Drive occurred from May 20–May 27, 1918, in an effort to raise at least $100,000,000 for the support of the organization’s work.
- Much like the use of military insignia to identify its wearer (by association with an organization) and his/her achievements, these pins and buttons were meant to be worn by Americans on the home front during World War I to show their membership in an organization and/or their contribution to a particular war effort, such as the United War Work Campaign. The pins and buttons displayed the wearer’s patriotism and generosity and undoubtedly also served to prompt others to become similarly involved in the various war efforts.
- SOURCE:
- The Work of the American Red Cross During the War: A Statement of Finances and Accomplishments for the Period July 1, 1917, to February 28, 1919 (Washington, D.C.: American Red Cross, 1919), 16–19. archive.org/stream/cu31924027870777.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1914-1918
- ID Number
- 2006.0098.0307
- accession number
- 2006.0098
- catalog number
- 2006.0098.0307
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
1919 Button
- Description (Brief)
- Round 1919 button. The button is white with a blue border. A red cross is in the center of the button. Blue print reads “1919.”
- The American Red Cross was one of the major organizations that conducted relief work during World War I.
- Much like the use of military insignia to identify its wearer (by association with an organization) and his/her achievements, these pins and buttons were meant to be worn by Americans on the home front during World War I to show their membership in an organization and/or their contribution to a particular war effort, such as the United War Work Campaign. The pins and buttons displayed the wearer’s patriotism and generosity and undoubtedly also served to prompt others to become similarly involved in the various war efforts.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1919
- maker
- American Art Sign Company
- ID Number
- 2006.0098.0308
- accession number
- 2006.0098
- catalog number
- 2006.0098.0308
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Community Chest Button
- Description (Brief)
- Round Community Chest button. The button is white with a red border. White text on the border reads “Community Chest.” Blue text in the white center reads “I’ve Given.”
- In 1913 the first Community Chest was established in Cleveland, Ohio. The aim of a Community Chest was to pool local monetary resources, particularly those from local business and social services, and to then distribute the money among the community for its needs. Community Chests grew in popularity in the United States and Canada during World War I, during which time they were known as War Chests—over three hundred cities had War Chests by the summer of 1918. The typical mode of donating to a community War Chest was to pledge part of your salary to the chest. Today the Community Chest organization is known as United Way.
- Much like the use of military insignia to identify its wearer (by association with an organization) and his/her achievements, these pins and buttons were meant to be worn by Americans on the home front during World War I to show their membership in an organization and/or their contribution to a particular war effort, such as the United War Work Campaign. The pins and buttons displayed the wearer’s patriotism and generosity and undoubtedly also served to prompt others to become similarly involved in the various war efforts.
- SOURCE:
- “History,” United Way, unitedway.org/pages/history.
- “History,” United Way of LaPorte County, unitedwaylpc.org/history.
- Oliver Zunz, Philanthropy in America: A History (Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2012), 51–66.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1914-1918
- maker
- Canadian American Art Works, Ltd.
- ID Number
- 2006.0098.0309
- accession number
- 2006.0098
- catalog number
- 2006.0098.0309
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
I Own A Liberty Bond Button
- Description (Brief)
- Round Liberty Bond button. The button is white and blue with a red border. White print reads “I Own A Liberty Bond” next to an image of the Statue of Liberty.
- Liberty Loans were part of the U.S. government’s effort to sell war bonds (also known as Liberty Bonds) during World War I to defray the expense of war. These bonds were issued by the U.S. Treasury. The First Liberty Bond Act was passed by Congress on April 24, 1917, and the bonds began issuance shortly thereafter.
- Much like the use of military insignia to identify its wearer (by association with an organization) and his/her achievements, these pins and buttons were meant to be worn by Americans on the home front during World War I to show their membership in an organization and/or their contribution to a particular war effort, such as the United War Work Campaign. The pins and buttons displayed the wearer’s patriotism and generosity and undoubtedly also served to prompt others to become similarly involved in the various war efforts.
- SOURCE:
- Treasury Department, Liberty Loan Acts (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1921). books.google.com/books?id=4qFAAAAAYAAJ.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1917-1918
- ID Number
- 2006.0098.0310
- accession number
- 2006.0098
- catalog number
- 2006.0098.0310
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Liberty Loan of 1917 Button
- Description (Brief)
- Round Liberty Loan button. The button is red with a blue border. White print on the border reads “Get Behind The Government.” White print on the red portion reads “Liberty Loan of 1917” and is cut across by a blue and white image of the Statue of Liberty.
- Liberty Loans were part of the U.S. government’s effort to sell war bonds (also known as Liberty Bonds) during World War I to defray the expense of war. These bonds were issued by the U.S. Treasury. The First Liberty Bond Act was passed by Congress on April 24, 1917, and the bonds began issuance shortly thereafter.
- Much like the use of military insignia to identify its wearer (by association with an organization) and his/her achievements, these pins and buttons were meant to be worn by Americans on the home front during World War I to show their membership in an organization and/or their contribution to a particular war effort, such as the United War Work Campaign. The pins and buttons displayed the wearer’s patriotism and generosity and undoubtedly also served to prompt others to become similarly involved in the various war efforts.
- SOURCE:
- Treasury Department, Liberty Loan Acts (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1921). books.google.com/books?id=4qFAAAAAYAAJ.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1917
- ID Number
- 2006.0098.0311
- accession number
- 2006.0098
- catalog number
- 2006.0098.0311
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
(Red Cross) Is You & I With Every (Heart) And (Dollar) Pin
- Description (Brief)
- Pin shaped like a flag. The flag is brown with white print and red symbols. Symbols and text read “(Red Cross) Is You & I With Every (Heart) And (Dollar).”
- The American Red Cross was one of the major organizations that conducted relief work during World War I.
- Much like the use of military insignia to identify its wearer (by association with an organization) and his/her achievements, these pins and buttons were meant to be worn by Americans on the home front during World War I to show their membership in an organization and/or their contribution to a particular war effort, such as the United War Work Campaign. The pins and buttons displayed the wearer’s patriotism and generosity and undoubtedly also served to prompt others to become similarly involved in the various war efforts.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1918
- maker
- Manee Company
- ID Number
- 2006.0098.0394
- accession number
- 2006.0098
- catalog number
- 2006.0098.0394
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
War Savings Service Button
- Description (Brief)
- Round War Savings Service button. The outer circle is brown with light brown text that reads “∙ War Savings Service ∙ W.S.S.” The inner circle is blue and white with an image of the Statue of Liberty’s torch.
- The War Savings Service was related to the purchase of War Savings Stamps. The U.S. Treasury began issuing War Savings Stamps in late 1917 to help fund American participation in World War I. The War Savings Service button was a way for Americans to indicate that they were “enlisted in the great army of production and saving” on the home front.
- Much like the use of military insignia to identify its wearer (by association with an organization) and his/her achievements, these pins and buttons were meant to be worn by Americans on the home front during World War I to show their membership in an organization and/or their contribution to a particular war effort, such as the United War Work Campaign. The pins and buttons displayed the wearer’s patriotism and generosity and undoubtedly also served to prompt others to become similarly involved in the various war efforts.
- SOURCE:
- “Drive on for War Savings Stamps: Opportunity Given to All to Help Defeat Germany by Lending to the Government,” Greater New York 7 (June 24, 1918): 12. books.google.com/books?id=tisiAQAAMAAJ.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1917-1918
- maker
- Whitehead & Hoag Company
- ID Number
- 2006.0098.0312
- accession number
- 2006.0098
- catalog number
- 2006.0098.0312
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
United War Work Campaign 7 Button
- Description (Brief)
- Round United War Work Campaign button. The button is white with a red border. White text on the border reads “* United * War Work Campaign.” A blue star and “7” are in the center of the button.
- The United War Work Campaign was a joint effort undertaken by seven voluntary organizations active during World War I: the National War Work Council of the YMCA, the War Work Council of the YWCA, the National Catholic War Council (Knights of Columbus), the Jewish Welfare Board, the War Camp Community Service, the American Library Association, and the Salvation Army. The aim of the campaign was for these seven organizations to raise at least $170,500,000 in subscriptions and pledges during the week of November 11–18, 1918, to help boost American soldiers’ morale and provide them with recreational activities.
- Much like the use of military insignia to identify its wearer (by association with an organization) and his/her achievements, these pins and buttons were meant to be worn by Americans on the home front during World War I to show their membership in an organization and/or their contribution to a particular war effort, such as the United War Work Campaign. The pins and buttons displayed the wearer’s patriotism and generosity and undoubtedly also served to prompt others to become similarly involved in the various war efforts.
- SOURCE:
- “United War Work Campaign,” Committee on Public Information, Bulletin 42, 1918.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1914-1918
- maker
- Whitehead & Hoag Company
- ID Number
- 2006.0098.0313
- accession number
- 2006.0098
- catalog number
- 2006.0098.0313
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
