The original “Little Egypt” was a sensation on the midway at the World’s Columbian Exposition, Chicago, 1893. Her success sparked many imitators and the form of dancing referred to as ‘Hoochee-Coochee’ as at the time the word “belly dance” was not in use. This button features a young woman simply titled “Little Egypt.” This button was likely produced to promote three short one-reel movies released in 1897 by American Mutoscope Co. featuring a dancer billed as “Little Egypt.” The tie-in exists because of this button’s backpaper. Below in small text is the name of the maker Whitehead & Hoag but above in larger text is “Compliments Of Austin’s Electric Garden, Syracuse, N.Y./C.H. Austin, Proprietor.” While we haven’t found any additional information on this Syracuse establishment, it sure sounds as if a place that served as an early movie parlor. Button has exceedingly faint 1/16” gray dot at lower right, o/w essentially Mint. Only example we know of. Comes with Hake’s COA.