As you listen to today’s episode, it’ll become clear that Mike had way too much fun writing and recording this one. But then again, I wrote the title, so.
There are plenty of jobs out there that are kind of obscure, in the sense that it’s a job that somebody has, but you never really thought about. For instance, did you know that with some high-end perfumes, the labels are put on manually? Someone’s out there sticking the labels on the bottles, because either the bottles don’t go through the machinery politely, or the levels of quality are low when they’re applied mechanically. So it’s easier to have someone stick on the labels.
“Buttonmaker” is also a likely profession in this realm, largely because it is so automated these days. But back in the Colonial days, it was a specialty profession, especially since Aaron Peasley, the subject of today’s episode, refined the die sinking procedure used to make buttons then. And except for the specific means of creating the die (it’s done using electrical discharges nowadays), the overall technique hasn’t changed much.
But his talent didn’t end there. Listen in and see what else he did.
Hey Mike, I appreciate you bringing attention to Aaron M. Peasley, he really was an interesting person and deserves more recognition for his work. He actually made his way to Boston in 1805 after being transferred from the Newburyport goal to the newly built Charlestown state prison. If you’d like more information on him, it can be found in my article located below or if you’d like you can reach out via email. I also would appreciate credit for the picture used of his button due to the amount time and effort it takes to get pictures like that. Thanks!
https://www.usmcu.edu/Outreach/Marine-Corps-University-Press/MCH/Marine-Corps-History-Winter-2024-25/The-Eagle-Fouled-Anchor-and-13-Stars/
Hi Kevin:
As you’re no doubt aware, the military folks say that you can delegate authority but you can’t delegate responsibility.
I’m the one who used your picture for the cover art and I do apologize for not giving you appropriate credit. While Mike and I alternate on researching/writing/recording the episodes, it’s me who puts them through the final production stage, sources the cover art and writes the show notes. So I’m the one who screwed up in that respect.
For what it’s worth, I wasn’t just scraping images; I read your entire article and it genuinely pulled me in. Learning stuff like this is one of the reasons I enjoy working on this podcast so much. I’ll make further amends at the show’s main home, 250andcounting.com.
Thanks for taking the time to listen and to write in.
–Claude Call