A display of hundreds of United States presidential campaign buttons will be on display from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3 in the fellowship hall of Cox Memorial Methodist Church at 29 Middle St. in Hallowell. Submitted photo

HALLOWELL — The Cox Memorial United Methodist Church is set to host a display of hundreds of United States presidential campaign buttons from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3, in the fellowship hall of the 29 Middle St. church.

The collection commenced in Ohio. There are three buttons from the 1896 campaign, in which Ohioan Republican William McKinley defeated Democrat William Jennings Bryan. From the 1892 campaign between Democrat Grover Cleveland and Republican Benjamin Harrison there are two identical medallions. The earliest item is a ribbon from 1880 when another Ohio president was elected, James A. Garfield, a Republican defeated Winfield Scott Hancock. The ribbon says Garfield and Arthur. Chester Arthur became president when James Garfield was assassinated 200 days into his term, according to a news release from the church.

The collection covers the elections including the current campaigns. Many buttons will also be on display for candidates who never were on the actual ballots. One display case is devoted to George Corley Wallace, as the owner of the collection is Corley Anne Byras, whose parents commenced the collection.

Also on display will be two Margaret Chase Smith buttons. Maine has the distinction of her being the first woman to be placed in nomination for the presidency of a major political party convention.

Admission is free, but the church encourages attendees to bring non-perishable items for the Hallowell Food Pantry.

For more information email corleybyras@gmail.com.

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