Show FRESH WATER PEARL BUTTONS america made fresh water pearl buttons a common necessity tor for the ahe people ot of all nations according to a statement ement rec recently eaby issued by bi herbert hoover secretary ot of the department of commerce the united states has taken definite steps to protect the lead it has always maintained throughout the world in this unique industry to this end the department of commerce through the bureau ot of fisheries will this year extensively develop the tresh fresh water mussel fishing beds of many inland rivers the history of 0 the fresh water mussel industry gives an illustration ot of the promptness with which an american industry may be developed once a pathway Is found secretary hoover declared undertaken I 1 in a small way about thirty years ago the manufacture of pearl buttons from mussel shells began immediately to assume the proportions of a national industry coincident with the rise of the manufacturing fac turing industry there developed an important and widespread fishery directly employing thousands of persons and indirectly affecting persons of various occupations the department of commerce thru the bureau of fisheries maintained an active interest in the development of the fresh water mussel fisheries of 0 the united states which in its importance and scope of territory Is unique in the world the fresh water pearl buttons made from american river shell Is one of the cheapest things in the world considering si 51 the service that it gives A simple rule tor for judging the quality ot oi a ready made garment which every housewife should observe la Is the test of the garment by the quality ot of tho the button that it carries in this way a good button means a good garment because you can always judge a garment by the buttons that are on it much ot of the popularity ot of this american product for wash garments Is due to the fact act that these buttons have a positive fondness tor for water the fresh water pearl buttons are used on clothing of all kinds and childrens rompers it Is estimated that nearly buttons are made from mussel shells in this country every year year |