![A Life in Buttons](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/5844/468630/5ee99f933840a/McConnellsburg-Pennsylvania-Button-box.jpg)
“GOING, GOING, GONE, for $3 to bidder No. 43, the lady in the last row, white hat.” The auctioneer called out my auction number and location. I had just won the bidding for a 1950s cookie tin full of memories at an estate sale outside McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania, near the farm where my husband and I live.
Delighted at my victory, I took the box and gave it a shake. The contents rattled. I pried off the lid and took a peek. Inside were dozens—or maybe even hundreds—of buttons, pins, and other items, all glittering in the sunlight. It reminded me of my mom’s button box. As a girl, I’d always enjoyed digging through it, just as my own daughters enjoyed looking through mine.
I listened to the auctioneer’s patter as more objects were bid on and sold. I bought some lovely embroidered pillowcases and a few other things. Soon my eye caught the movement of a swing on the front porch of the house. A petite older woman watched the happenings in her yard, her eyes wandering over the crowd, looking for the familiar faces of friends and neighbors.
This story is from the July - August 2020 edition of Reader's Digest US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July - August 2020 edition of Reader's Digest US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![A Race Well-Limped](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5844/1745970/T8RkK9Gcn1719481474947/A-RACE-WELLLIMPED.jpg)
A Race Well-Limped
A reluctant runner's key to keeping high spirits? Low expectations.
![Won't You Be Our Neighbor?](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5844/1745970/Zp_mismZm1719481373319/WONT-YOU-BE-OUR-NEIGHBOR.jpg)
Won't You Be Our Neighbor?
These folks do Mr. Rogers proud
![Band of Survivors](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5844/1745970/CD7TzLLde1719481263209/BAND-OF-SURVIVORS.jpg)
Band of Survivors
Armed with his drum kit, a Holocaust survivor fights antisemitism one musical note at a time
![UMM...WHERE'S MY POOL?](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5844/1745970/LGmq8Eqx81719481055853/UMMWHERES-MY-POOL.jpg)
UMM...WHERE'S MY POOL?
All I wanted was some summer fun. What I got instead was a harsh lesson in the rip-off potential of payment apps.
![Let's Say Yes!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5844/1745970/r-yiRvYBH1719480896594/LETS-SAY-YES.jpg)
Let's Say Yes!
What started out as a way to get my son to try new foods opened up a world of adventure for my family
![A GRIZZLY ENCOUNTER](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5844/1745970/Aiixqbbdx1719480764804/A-GRIZZLY-ENCOUNTER.jpg)
A GRIZZLY ENCOUNTER
The bear had its jaws clamped on his friend. There was only one thing to do: tackle.
![13 THINGS Go for Gold at the Olympics](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5844/1745970/qihTUTMYi1719480641800/13-THINGS-GO-FOR-GOLD-AT-THE-OLYMPICS.jpg)
13 THINGS Go for Gold at the Olympics
THE 2024 Summer Olympic Games kick off July 26 in the host city of Paris, though several of the 41 event venues are located elsewhere in France.
![STOP THE RIDE!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5844/1745970/JLf-NrtYo1719480429765/STOP-THE-RIDE.jpg)
STOP THE RIDE!
AMUSEMENT PARKS ARE MEANT TO THRILL. BUT OFTEN THEY JUST MAKE US SICK. ONE INTREPID RIDER IS ON A QUEST TO FIND OUT WHY SHE'S ALWAYS LOSING HER LUNCH.
![Raise A GLASS!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5844/1745970/QvYvrto0W1719480281536/RAISE-A-GLASS.jpg)
Raise A GLASS!
FAVORITE DRINKS FROM EVERY STATE
![A Race Well-Limped](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5844/1744761/3nMZ8kyw91719393367071/A-RACE-WELLLIMPED.jpg)
A Race Well-Limped
A reluctant runner's key to keeping high spirits? Low expectations.