“East Harlem Needs Low Rent Housing” Pinback Button
Circa 1940s. 
Diameter: 7/8 inch
 
A rare housing reform pinback button bearing the slogan “East Harlem Needs Low Rent Housing” surrounding a stylized image of a tenement building. The button reflects continuing concern over overcrowded and deteriorating housing conditions in East Harlem, where reformers and community organizations advocated for affordable housing and improved living conditions.
 
Small political and social action buttons such as this provided an inexpensive and highly visible means of public expression, allowing local campaigns and reform movements to carry their messages beyond meetings and printed literature. This example is an evocative piece of urban social-history ephemera, documenting the continuing struggle for decent, affordable housing in one of New York City’s most densely populated neighborhoods.

Condition: Very Fine.