The guest speaker at our meeting was Professor Margaret ORDONEZ
from the textile department at URI. Her topic, "The History of Buttons is the History of Menswear",
left many of us wondering about the connection. After listening to her speak and viewing her Power Point presentation, it was obvious that for centuries
men were "peacocks" while women's clothing consisted of fabric that was draped and cinched with a belt. Men wore fitted clothes that necessitated the use of buttons.
More often than not, the designs of the buttons were an indiciation of class or occupation. It wasn't until the 15th century that women's clothing featured buttons.
Professor ORDONEZ brought along a large collection of buttons and some clothing from the URI's Clothing and Textile museum/gallery. This museum is open to the public
during certain hours and she invited us to visit.

Many member commented how when they were young they used to play in their's parents button collection. Several members brought in their button collection and showed them off with pride. Professor Ordonez was delighted
with all the excitement and memories that these buttons stirred up.
Who would have thought that simple buttons could provide us such pleasure and fond memories of our childhood.

Taken from The Pawtuxet Valley Historian, May 2008, Volume 21 Issue 9, page 7.

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