Scarce original waiver button pin issued by the New York State Conservation Department. These buttons were distributed for three winter seasons only: 1930-1931, 1931-1932, and 1932-1933, with this example dating to the final season. They were given to visitors of the Lake Placid Olympic bobsled track, who paid to take rides on the course. The green-and-white pin, 1.75″ in diameter, is numbered as "Bobsled Run, 2687." Bottom edge marked: "Bastian Bros. Rochester, NY." In fine condition, with rust to back.
After the close of the Olympic Games in 1932, the ownership of the bobsled run at Mount Van Hoevenberg was transferred from the New York State Olympic Commission to the Conservation Department. Before a passenger could ride, they were required to sign a waiver assuming all responsibility for possible injuries and relinquishing all claims for damages. A waiver button was issued each year from 1933 until the late 1950s, with the number of the button matching the number of the waiver form passengers signed. Admission to the Olympic run started at 10 cents per person, with an additional 50 cents for half-mile rides, and $1 for one-and-a-half-mile rides.
