First, I'd like to establish a basic definition.  I grew up collecting "buttons".  They are usually round metal collectibles with a latching hook on the back.  There is a message of some sort on the front.  But, I have learned that "button" isn't the most commonly accept term for this...."pin-backs" is.  But I've hear a button also called a "pin" or "lapel pin".  When I first heard "pin-back" a few years ago when I was hunting for older Defeat of Jesse James Days buttons, I didn't know what it meant.  I've since established many different button collections, and know to ask for pin-backs when looking online and talking with old-timers.

Anyways......last year I found a bag of about forty small buttons at a garage sale and gave to my daughter.  She took to them like I did when I was young.  I used to collect any old button, whereas now, I only collect specific ones.  Rylie has a cork board with her collecting on display.  When I was in my early teens, I had about hundreds all over my room, mostly hung on my curtains.  I wish I have photos of that. 

So, I've combine two obsessions into one.  I collect "the shape of Minnesota" as odd as that is, and buttons.  Well, view my gallery below to see what I've recently come up with.  I've also included a complete list of my main button collections below that.

My other main button collections include:

• Minneapolis Aquatennial
• St Paul Winter Carnival
• Northfield Defeat of Jesse James Days
• Minnesota Shaped Buttons
• Waterville Bullhead Days