DescriptionBadge: 1891 - 1916. V.S.V. of H.C. [Vereinigte Schweizer-Vereine von Hudson County.] Button with patriotic crest, cream grosgrain bow and teal ribbon stamped "Decoration Com[mittee]" in silver gilt with union label mark at bottom; safety pin. Button, 1" diameter; overall 4-1/4" high x 2-1/2" wide. Printed maker's label on back: R. Kirchgessner, 421 Washington St., Hoboken, N.J. Robert Kirchgessner, a German immigrant, founded his business in 1899. It was known as United Decorating Company. (This item was displayed in the 1997 museum exhibition: United Decorating Co., 1899-1997. "Decorations for All Occasions." 98 Years of Parades, Funerals, Grand Openings, & Masquerade Balls.) Label states: Union Decorator, Badge Maker and Costumer. Also has the union label that is different than that on the ribbon. This pin for a member of the decoration committee may have been his own badge. "Vereinigte Schweizer-Vereine von Hudson County" roughly means a joint party for a Confederation of German Clubs or Societies of Hudson County. Hoboken had several vereins (german plural: vereine) and/or clubs and was among the cities and towns of the County with a significant population of German ancestry. Place event held is not indicated. See archives 2008.004.0024 for a program cover from the 1917 event.