Images(3)

Button, Event

Object number2018.156.4

Date1951

MediumMetal; Plastic; Paper; Ink

Credit LineGift of Thomas Schmidt

DescriptionOrange pinback button. Button is circular, and the top of the orange paper has a drawing of two cartoon tigers pulling a rope in opposite directions to ring a bell; tiger on the viewer's right side is wearing a graduation cap with a tassel. In the background of the drawing is a four-story building with a bell tower in the middle. There's printed text along the bottom edge of the button and a handwritten name in the middle. The paper is covered with clear plastic, and the back is metal with two small, rectangular cutouts near the top for a metal pin. DimensionsDiameter x Depth: 4 x 0.25 in. (10.2 x 0.6 cm)
InscriptionsBlack, handwritten name in middle of button: "Adolph / Schmidt".

Black, printed text along bottom of button: "25th REUNION / 1926 / JUNE 1951".
Historical NotesPrinceton University 25th anniversary button from a reunion attended by Adolph Schmidt in 1851. Part of a collection of Princeton-themed memorabilia collected and worn by Adolph Schmidt at class reunions he attended throughout the 1950s-1970s. A financial and foundation executive and native of McKeesport, Pa., Adolph William Schmidt graduated from Princeton University and the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration. He was Vice President and Governor of T. Mellon and Sons, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, President of The A. W. Mellon Educational and Charitable Trust, and a Trustee and Treasurer of the Old Dominion Foundation. He married Helen “Patsy” Mellon (great-granddaughter of Thomas Mellon) in 1936. In World War II, Schmidt served as an intelligence officer with the Army and OSS in Africa and Europe from 1942 until 1946, and was discharged as Lieutenant Colonel. He was awarded the Bronze Star and two battle stars.

Previous owner Adolph William Schmidt (1904 - 2000)

Related institution Princeton University

Related institution Harvard University

Related institution United States Army

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