Natural Resources
The natural resources collections offer centuries of evidence about how Americans have used the bounty of the American continent and coastal waters. Artifacts related to flood control, dam construction, and irrigation illustrate the nation's attempts to manage the natural world. Oil-drilling, iron-mining, and steel-making artifacts show the connection between natural resources and industrial strength.
Forestry is represented by saws, axes, a smokejumper's suit, and many other objects. Hooks, nets, and other gear from New England fisheries of the late 1800s are among the fishing artifacts, as well as more recent acquisitions from the Pacific Northwest and Chesapeake Bay. Whaling artifacts include harpoons, lances, scrimshaw etchings in whalebone, and several paintings of a whaler's work at sea. The modern environmental movement has contributed buttons and other protest artifacts on issues from scenic rivers to biodiversity.
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Johnson Bus Lines Token
- 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: JOHNSON BUS LINES, INC
- Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR ONE FARE/ AW JOHNSON/ PRES.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- early 20th century
- referenced
- Johnson Bus Lines, Inc.
- maker
- Scovill Manufacturing Company
- ID Number
- 1981.0296.1392
- accession number
- 1981.0296
- catalog number
- 1981.0296.1392
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Black River Traction Company Fare Token
- 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. A triangle is punched out in the center.
- Obverse: The legend reads: BLACK RIVER TRACTION CO.
- Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR ONE CITY FARE.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- early 20th century
- referenced
- Black River Traction Company
- maker
- Scovill Manufacturing Company
- ID Number
- 1981.0296.1320
- accession number
- 1981.0296
- catalog number
- 1981.0296.1320
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Havana Electric Railway Company Fare Token
- 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
- 1981.0296.1376
- accession number
- 1981.0296
- catalog number
- 1981.0296.1376
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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R.C. Barcley Advertising Token
- 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: FINE CUTLERY STATIONARY & PAPERHANGINGS/ BOOKS & STATIONARY.
- Reverse: The legend reads: R. C. BARCLEY BOOK SELLER & BINDER/ MAIN ST. NORFOLK VA.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- early 20th century
- maker
- Scovill Manufacturing Company
- ID Number
- 1981.0296.1521
- accession number
- 1981.0296
- catalog number
- 1981.0296.1521
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Popsicle Advertising Token
- 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: Image of a Popsicle on a stick, the stick reads “Popsicle Patented.” The legend reads: POPSICLE/5 ICLES/EASY TO EAT.
- Reverse: Image of a smiling boy, possibly Popsicle’s mascot “Popsicle Pete.” The legend reads: POPSICLE LUCKY MEDAL.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- early 20th century
- maker
- Scovill Manufacturing Company
- ID Number
- 1981.0296.1476
- accession number
- 1981.0296
- catalog number
- 1981.0296.1476
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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J. L. & D. J. Riker Advertising Token
- Description (Brief)
- The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this advertising token during the early 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 tokens.
- Obverse: Bust of Lady Liberty facing left, her headdress reads “New York.” Legend: J. L. & D. J. RIKER/ 1852.
- Reverse: Image of an eagle with shield, gripping arrows in one talon and an olive branch in the other. Legend: SHARPENERS/ KNIFE, SCISSORS & SCYTHE.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- early 20th century
- date on object
- 1852
- maker
- Scovill Manufacturing Company
- ID Number
- 1981.0296.1494
- accession number
- 1981.0296
- catalog number
- 1981.0296.1494
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Colgate - Palmolive Discount Token
- Description (Brief)
- The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this token during the early 20th century, after 1928. 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 tokens.
- Obverse: GOOD FOR -10¢- TOWARD PURCHASE OF 2 LARGE (19 OUNCE) or 1 GIANT FAB. CASH VALUE 1/20¢ 99-54053.
- Reverse: TO DEALERS/ OUR SALESMAN WILL REDEEM THIS TOKE FOR 10¢ WHEN CONDITIONS ON REVERSE SIDE HAVE BEEN COMPLIED WITH. CUSTOMER MUST PAY ANY SALES TAX. VOID IF USE IS PROHIBITED, RESTRICTED OR TAXED. COLGATE-PALMOLIVE CO. JERSEY CITY, N.J.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1928
- referenced
- Colgate-Palmolive Company
- maker
- Scovill Manufacturing Company
- ID Number
- 1981.0296.1616
- accession number
- 1981.0296
- catalog number
- 1981.0296.1616
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Nedicks Token
- Description (Brief)
- The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this advertising token around 1959. 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 included in packets of cigarettes vended from Nedicks locations in New York.
- Obverse: Profile of a man facing right. Legend : EAT BETTER FOR LESS/NEDICKS NICKEL
- Reverse: REDEEMABLE FOR A/ 5¢ PURCHASE OF FOOD OR DRINK IN NEDICKS STORES/BEFORE DEC. 1959.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1959
- maker
- Scovill Manufacturing Company
- ID Number
- 1981.0296.1481
- accession number
- 1981.0296
- catalog number
- 1981.0296.1481
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Lyon’s Magnetic Powder Advertising Token
- Description (Brief)
- The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this advertising token during the early 20th century. 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 Emanuel Lyon, facing right. Legend: E. LYON./ 424 BROADWAY NEW YORK.
- Reverse: Image of Lady Liberty holding a pole with a liberty cap, a wreath, and surrounded by a shield, cornucopia, plow, sheaf of grain, and spinning wheel. Legend: MAGNETIC POWDER & PILLS/ FOR INSECTS & RATS.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- early 20th century
- maker
- Scovill Manufacturing Company
- ID Number
- 1981.0296.1477
- accession number
- 1981.0296
- catalog number
- 1981.0296.1477
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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James Buchanan Commemorative Token
- Description (Brief)
- This token was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut during the early 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 various consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, and political tokens.
- Obverse: Bust of James Buchanan facing right. Legend: 15TH PRESIDENT, U.S.A./ 1857-1861/ JAMES BUCHANAN.
- Reverse: "OLD BUCK"/ "OLD PUBLIC FUNCTIONARY"/ PRIVATE IN WAR OF 1812 CONGRESSMAN UNITED STATES SENATOR SECRETARY OF STATE MINISTER TO ENGLAND TRIED TO AVERT CIVIL WAR BUT BELIEVED IN STATE RIGHTS.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- early 20th century
- depicted
- Buchanan, James
- maker
- Scovill Manufacturing Company
- ID Number
- 1981.0296.1284
- accession number
- 1981.0296
- catalog number
- 1981.0296.1284
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Benjamin Harrison Commemorative Token
- 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 Benjamin Harrison facing left. The legend reads: 23rd PRESIDENT, U.S.A./1889-1893/BENJAMIN HARRISON
- Reverse: Legend reads: "BACKBONE BEN'/FROM COLONEL TO BRIGADIER GENERAL IN CIVIL WAR/UNITED STATES SENATOR/EXPONENT OF HIGH PROTECTIVE TARIFF/DURING HIS OFFICE SIX TERRITORIES BECAME STATES/"SON OF HIS GRANDFATHER."
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- mid 20th century
- depicted
- Harrison, Benjamin
- maker
- Scovill Manufacturing Company
- ID Number
- 1981.0296.1290
- accession number
- 1981.0296
- catalog number
- 1981.0296.1290
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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George Washington Commemorative Token
- Description (Brief)
- This token was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut during the early 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 political tokens.
- Obverse: Bust of George Washington facing right. Legend: 1ST PRESIDENT, U.S.A./ 1789/ 1797/ GEORGE WASHINGTON.
- Reverse: "AMERICAN FABIOUS"/ "FATHER OF HIS COUNTRY"/ FIRST IN WAR FIRST IN PEACE FIRST IN THE HEARTS OF HIS COUNTRYMEN SERVED EIGHT YEARS AS PRESIDENT WITHOUT PAY.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- early 20th century
- depicted
- Washington, George
- maker
- Scovill Manufacturing Company
- ID Number
- 1981.0296.1271
- accession number
- 1981.0296
- catalog number
- 1981.0296.1271
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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James A. Garfield Commemorative Token
- Description (Brief)
- This token was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut 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, and political tokens.
- Obverse: Bust of James Garfield facing right. Legend: 20TH PRESIDENT, U.S.A./ 1881-DIED/ ASSASSINATED/ JAMES A. GARFIELD.
- Reverse: "TEACHER PRESIDENT"/ "NOT A MAN OF IRON, BUT OF LIVE OAK"/ MAJ. GEN. IN CIVIL WAR CONGRESSMAN/ ASSASSINATED SIX MONTHS AFTER INAUGURATION.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- early 20th century
- depicted
- Garfield, James A.
- maker
- Scovill Manufacturing Company
- ID Number
- 1981.0296.1287
- accession number
- 1981.0296
- catalog number
- 1981.0296.1287
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Indianapolis Street Railway Fare Token
- 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 two semi-circle sections cut out, leaving a central strip.
- Obverse: Central image of a tower. The legend reads: INDIANAPOLIS ST. RY. CO.
- Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR/Robert I. Todd President/ONE FARE
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- early 20th century
- referenced
- Indianapolis Street Railway Company
- maker
- Scovill Manufacturing Company
- ID Number
- 1981.0296.1384
- accession number
- 1981.0296
- catalog number
- 1981.0296.1384
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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John Adams Commemorative Token
- Description (Brief)
- This token was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut 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.
- Obverse: Bust of John Adams facing right. Legend: 2ND PRESIDENT, U.S.A./ 1797-1801/ JOHN ADAMS.
- Reverse: Legend reads: "SON OF LIBERTY"/ "COLOSSUS OF INDEPENDENCE"/ MINISTER TO ENGLAND VICE PRESIDENT TWO TERMS CREATED U.S. NAVY ON ACCOUNT OF EUROPEAN WAR CLOUD FIRST PRESIDENT TO OCCUPY WHITE HOUSE.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- early 20th century
- depicted
- Adams, John
- maker
- Scovill Manufacturing Company
- ID Number
- 1981.0296.1272
- accession number
- 1981.0296
- catalog number
- 1981.0296.1272
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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PRTA Transit Token
- 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. Three sections in the center of the token are punched out, with the legend PRTA across the middle.
- Obverse: The legend reads: PRTA
- Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR/ONE FARE
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- early 20th century
- maker
- Scovill Manufacturing Company
- ID Number
- 1981.0296.1425
- accession number
- 1981.0296
- catalog number
- 1981.0296.1425
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Taylors & Richards Advertising Token
- 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: IMPORTERS AND AGENTS FOR SCOVILLS GILT, WILLISTONS LASTING HORN BONE AND ALL OTHER KINDS OF BUTTONS.
- Reverse: Image of an eagle with shield, gripping arrows and an olive branch. The legend reads: TAYLORS & RICHARDS/ NO. 45 CEDAR ST./ NEW- YORK.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- early 20th century
- referenced
- Taylors & Richards
- maker
- Scovill Manufacturing Company
- ID Number
- 1981.0296.1478
- accession number
- 1981.0296
- catalog number
- 1981.0296.1478
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Popsicle Advertising Token
- 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: Image of a lion’s head. The legend reads: Lion.
- Reverse: Image of a Popsicle on a stick, the stick reads “Popsicle Patented.” The legend reads: POPSICLE/10 ICLES/EASY TO EAT.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- early 20th century
- maker
- Scovill Manufacturing Company
- ID Number
- 1981.0296.1496
- accession number
- 1981.0296
- catalog number
- 1981.0296.1496
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Georgia Railway & Power Company Fare Token
- 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 “G” shape.
- Obverse: The legend reads: GEORGIA RAILWAY & POWER CO
- Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR ONE SIX CENT FARE.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- early 20th century
- referenced
- Georgia Railway and Power Company
- maker
- Scovill Manufacturing Company
- ID Number
- 1981.0296.1373
- accession number
- 1981.0296
- catalog number
- 1981.0296.1373
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Gray Line Bus Company Fare Token
- 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 a “G.”
- Obverse: The legend reads: GRAY LINE/ BUS 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
- 1981.0296.1679
- catalog number
- 1981.0296.1679
- accession number
- 1981.0296
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
