I collect pinback buttons, antique tobacco are my favorite but I have a lot of vintage as well. That has led me to 7 interesting pieces from "Brothers of the Brush." I have a "shaving permit from Hudson, S.D. Centennial in 1961; "Diamond Jubilee" from Boyden, Iowa, 1964; Erie, Illinois Centennial from 1972; a "Shaver Permit" and "Brother of the Brush" Huron Centennial, 1980; Appleton Wis. Centennial, no date; and a "Brothers of the Brush" 1979, no city. The 1979 button says, "Unity Through Discovery, 300 Year Anniversary, 1679-1979," over the Fleur-de-lis. Is this organization really (in 7 years) 350 years old? I've found bits and pieces about it, just nothing about the history or origins. Does anyone have any information they can contribute or point me in the right direction?
I was curious if anyone knew any information on this fundraising activity. Where/when did it start? Was there any actual organization that helped it spread to different towns/cities or was it just word of mouth?
I know that the Brothers of the Brush is a fundraising tool used by cities during centennial and other important anniversaries. There used to be lots of different antics that occurred, pies tossed in faces, kangaroo court, burial of razors, fines for not wearing badges, etc. The oldest I found are some celebrations from the 50s I found online. A couple from recent times. It seems to be fading slowly into history.
Any information you have would be greatly appreciated!