500 Historical Presidential Campaign Buttons on Display in Pleasanton

They may just be names and faces on small buttons, but for Cathy Malkovich, they’re pieces of history. Cathy has been collecting political buttons since she was a child. It was a hobby that started with her father. Seventy years later, she’s collected more than 500 historical presidential campaign buttons, and is still going strong.

The buttons range in size, shape and political affiliations. The oldest in her collection is from the first mass-produced button of President William McKinley. From there, you’ll find buttons from every presidential candidate who ever ran, including the current candidates.

Most of her collection came from garage sales, where she would spend her Thursdays hunting for her treasures. While some of the buttons may have minimal value, others are worth hundreds of dollars. In all, Cathy estimates the collection is valued at $1,500.

Her buttons are currently on display in her apartment at Stoneridge Creek, and some of the most notable are being showcased in a main area of the senior living community. Neighbors and people who visit and live at the senior living community in Pleasanton are intrigued by the display; some are donating their own collection of political buttons and memorabilia so Cathy can add them to the display.