Family & Social Life

Donations to the Museum have preserved irreplaceable evidence about generations of ordinary Americans. Objects from the Copp household of Stonington, Connecticut, include many items used by a single family from 1740 to 1850. Other donations have brought treasured family artifacts from jewelry to prom gowns. These gifts and many others are all part of the Museum's family and social life collections.

Children's books and Sunday school lessons, tea sets and family portraits also mark the connections between members of a family and between families and the larger society. Prints, advertisements, and artifacts offer nostalgic or idealized images of family life and society in times past. And the collections include a few modern conveniences that have had profound effects on American families and social life, such as televisions, video games, and personal computers.

Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra. side 1: Drop Me Off at Harlem; side 2: Merry-Go-Round (Columbia 35837), from the album, Hot Jazz Classics - Duke Ellington (Columbia C-38).78 rpm. Side 1 was originally recorded in 1933 and released on Brunswick 6527.
Description
Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra. side 1: Drop Me Off at Harlem; side 2: Merry-Go-Round (Columbia 35837), from the album, Hot Jazz Classics - Duke Ellington (Columbia C-38).
78 rpm. Side 1 was originally recorded in 1933 and released on Brunswick 6527. Side 2 was dubbed from the original 1933 recording. The album was released in 1940.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1933
release date
1940
recording artist
Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1978.0670.490
maker number
35837
C-38
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.490
The Muppets. The Frog Prince (Columbia CC23530)33-1/3 rpmCurrently not on view
Description (Brief)
The Muppets. The Frog Prince (Columbia CC23530)
33-1/3 rpm
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1971
performer
Henson, Jim
maker
Columbia
ID Number
2005.0298.04
accession number
2005.0298
maker number
CC23530
catalog number
2005.0298.04
Teddy Wilson. side 1: I Can't Get Started; side 2: I Know That You Know (Columbia 36633), from the album, Teddy Willson and His Piano (Columbia C-93).78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1941. This album was released in 1942.Currently not on view
Description
Teddy Wilson. side 1: I Can't Get Started; side 2: I Know That You Know (Columbia 36633), from the album, Teddy Willson and His Piano (Columbia C-93).
78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1941. This album was released in 1942.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1941
release date
1942
recording artist
Wilson, Teddy
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1978.0670.511
maker number
36633
C-93
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.511
Gene Autry. side 1: Mexicali Rose; side 2: South of the Border (Down Mexico Way) (Columbia 37185), from the album, Gene Autry's Western Classics (Columbia C 120).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Gene Autry. side 1: Mexicali Rose; side 2: South of the Border (Down Mexico Way) (Columbia 37185), from the album, Gene Autry's Western Classics (Columbia C 120).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1946
release date
1947
recording artist
Autry, Gene
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1996.0320.05057
maker number
37185
C 120
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05057
Frankie Carle. side 1: Stumbling; side 2: Estelle (Columbbia 35571), from the album, At the Piano...Frankie Carle (Columbia C-23).78 rpm.The cover art for this album was made by Alex Steinweiss. Alexander “Alex” Steinweiss (1917-2011) was an American artist and graphic designer.
Description

Frankie Carle. side 1: Stumbling; side 2: Estelle (Columbbia 35571), from the album, At the Piano...Frankie Carle (Columbia C-23).
78 rpm.

The cover art for this album was made by Alex Steinweiss. Alexander “Alex” Steinweiss (1917-2011) was an American artist and graphic designer. He was the first art director of Columbia Records, expanding the use of album covers and cover art. Steinweiss created album cover art from 1938 to 1973.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1940
recording artist
Carle, Frankie
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1979.1023.094
maker number
35571
C-23
accession number
1979.1023
catalog number
1979.1023.094
Teddy Wilson and his Orchestra featuring Billie Holiday. side 1: Easy Living; side 2: When You're Smiling (Columbia 36208), from the album, Hot Jazz Classics - Teddy WIlson-Billie Holiday (Columbia C-61).78 rpm.
Description

Teddy Wilson and his Orchestra featuring Billie Holiday. side 1: Easy Living; side 2: When You're Smiling (Columbia 36208), from the album, Hot Jazz Classics - Teddy WIlson-Billie Holiday (Columbia C-61).
78 rpm. Side 1 was originally recorded in 1937 and released on Brunswick 7911. Side 2 was originally recorded in 1938 (second master). This album was released in 1947.

The cover art for this album was made by Alex Steinweiss. Alexander “Alex” Steinweiss (1917-2011) was an American artist and graphic designer. He was the first art director of Columbia Records, expanding the use of album covers and cover art. Steinweiss created album cover art from 1938 to 1973.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1937
1938
release date
1947
recording artist
Holiday, Billie
Teddy Wilson and his Orchestra
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1978.0670.499
maker number
C-61
36208
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.499
Benny Goodman and his Orchestra. side 1: Gotta Be This Or That [part 1]; side 2: Gotta Be This Or That [part 2] (Columbia 36813).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Benny Goodman and his Orchestra. side 1: Gotta Be This Or That [part 1]; side 2: Gotta Be This Or That [part 2] (Columbia 36813).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1945
recording artist
Benny Goodman and his Orchestra
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1978.0670.131
maker number
36813
accession number
1978.0670
Kid Ory and his Creole Jazz Band. side 1: Bill Bailey Won't You Come Home; side 2: Creole Bo Bo (Columbia 37276), from the album, New Orleans Jazz (Columbia C-126).78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1946.
Description

Kid Ory and his Creole Jazz Band. side 1: Bill Bailey Won't You Come Home; side 2: Creole Bo Bo (Columbia 37276), from the album, New Orleans Jazz (Columbia C-126).
78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1946. The album was released in 1947.

Jim (James) Flora (1914-1998) created the cover art for this album. Flora was a successful commercial illustrator during the 1940s-1970s as well as an author and illustrator for children’s books. He was best known for his unique and quirky album cover art for RCA Victor and Columbia during the 1940s and 1950s. Flora created numerous paintings, drawings, etchings and sketches throughout his prolific career.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1946
release date
1947
recording artist
Kid Ory's Creole Jazz Band
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1978.0670.519
maker number
37276
C-126
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.519
Count Basie and his All American Rhythm Section. side 1: Farewell Blues; side 2: Way Back Blues (Columbia 36712), from the album, Blues By Basie (Columbia C-101).78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1942.
Description

Count Basie and his All American Rhythm Section. side 1: Farewell Blues; side 2: Way Back Blues (Columbia 36712), from the album, Blues By Basie (Columbia C-101).
78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1942. This album was released in 1944.

The cover art for this album was made by Alex Steinweiss. Alexander “Alex” Steinweiss (1917-2011) was an American artist and graphic designer. He was the first art director of Columbia Records, expanding the use of album covers and cover art. Steinweiss created album cover art from 1938 to 1973.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1942
release date
1944
recording artist
Count Basie and his All American Rhythm Section
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1978.0670.508
maker number
36712
C-101
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.508
Golden Gate Quartet. side 1: God's Gonna Cut You Down; side 2: Jezebel (Columbia 37835), from the album, Golden Gate Spirituals (Columbia C 45).78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1946. Side 2 was recorded in 1941.
Description

Golden Gate Quartet. side 1: God's Gonna Cut You Down; side 2: Jezebel (Columbia 37835), from the album, Golden Gate Spirituals (Columbia C 45).
78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1946. Side 2 was recorded in 1941. This album was released in 1947.

The cover art for this album was made by Robert M. Jones (1913-1993) an American graphic designer and printmaker. Jones worked as art director for Columbia Records from 1945-1953, then for RCA Victor and affiliated labels.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1946
1941
release date
1947
recording artist
Golden Gate Quartet
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1996.0320.05114
maker number
C-145
37835
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05114
Burl Ives. side 1: Darlin' Cory; side 2: Leather-Winged Bat [track 1] Cotten-Eyed Joe [track 2] (Columbia 36736), from the album, The Wayfaring Stranger (Columbia C 103).78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1941.
Description

Burl Ives. side 1: Darlin' Cory; side 2: Leather-Winged Bat [track 1] Cotten-Eyed Joe [track 2] (Columbia 36736), from the album, The Wayfaring Stranger (Columbia C 103).
78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1941. This album was released in 1944.

Jim (James) Flora (1914-1998) created the cover art for this album. Flora was a successful commercial illustrator during the 1940s-1970s as well as an author and illustrator for children’s books. He was best known for his unique and quirky album cover art for RCA Victor and Columbia during the 1940s and 1950s. Flora created numerous paintings, drawings, etchings, and sketches throughout his prolific career.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1941
release date
1944
recording artist
Ives, Burl
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1996.0320.05150
maker number
36736
C 103
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05150
James Clark. side 1: Get Ready To Meet Your Man; side 2: Love Me or Let Me Be (Columbia 36948).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
James Clark. side 1: Get Ready To Meet Your Man; side 2: Love Me or Let Me Be (Columbia 36948).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1945
recording artist
Clark, James
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1996.0153.08730
catalog number
1996.0153.08730
label number
36948
accession number
1996.0153
Earl Hines. side 1: 57 Varieties; side 2: I Ain't Got Nobody (Columbia 35875), from the album, Hot Jazz Classics - Earl Hines (Columbia C-41).78 rpm. Both tracks were originally recorded in 1928 and released on Okeh 8653.
Description

Earl Hines. side 1: 57 Varieties; side 2: I Ain't Got Nobody (Columbia 35875), from the album, Hot Jazz Classics - Earl Hines (Columbia C-41).
78 rpm. Both tracks were originally recorded in 1928 and released on Okeh 8653. This album was released in 1944.

The cover art for this album was made by Alex Steinweiss. Alexander “Alex” Steinweiss (1917-2011) was an American artist and graphic designer. He was the first art director of Columbia Records, expanding the use of album covers and cover art. Steinweiss created album cover art from 1938 to 1973.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1928
release date
1944
recording artist
Hines, Earl
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1978.0670.495
maker number
35875
C-41
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.495
side 1: Will Bradley Trio. Down the Road a Piece; side 2: Will Bradley and his Orchestra featuring Ray McKinley. Celery Stalks At Midnight (Columbia 36958), from the album, Will Bradley and his Orchestra featuring Ray McKinley, (Columbia C-123).78 rpm.
Description

side 1: Will Bradley Trio. Down the Road a Piece; side 2: Will Bradley and his Orchestra featuring Ray McKinley. Celery Stalks At Midnight (Columbia 36958), from the album, Will Bradley and his Orchestra featuring Ray McKinley, (Columbia C-123).
78 rpm. Both tracks were originally recorded in 1940 and released on Columbia 35707. The album was released in 1947.

The album art and design was created by George Howard Maas (1910-1998), an American commercial artist, graphic artist and designer, and art director. Originally from Kansas City, Maas studied at the University of Kansas at Lawrence. In 1939, he was employed as a painter in the WPA (Works Project Administration). By the early 1940s, Maas had moved to New York City where he continued his career with much success creating cover art for albums, book design and illustrations, and poster art.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1940
release date
1947
recording artist
McKinley, Ray
Will Bradley and his Orchestra
Will Bradley Trio
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1981.0566.188
maker number
C-123
36958
accession number
1981.0566
catalog number
1981.0566.188
side 1: South Pacific Orchestra. Overture: side 2: Mary Martin, Ezio Pinza, and Barbara Luna with South Pacific Orchestra.
Description

side 1: South Pacific Orchestra. Overture: side 2: Mary Martin, Ezio Pinza, and Barbara Luna with South Pacific Orchestra. Finale (Columbia 4556-M), from the album, South Pacific (Columbia MM-850).
78 rpm.

This recording is of the Original Broadway cast for the 1949 musicalSouth Pacific, composed by Richard Rogers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and book by Hammerstein and Joshua Logan. South Pacific opened at the Majestic Theatre on April 7, 1949, running for 1,925 performances. It received ten Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Score, Best Libretto, including awards in all four acting categories for Mary Martin, Ezio Pinza, Juanita Hall, and Myron McCormick. In 1950, the musical won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1949
recording artist
Martin, Mary
Luna, Barbara
Pinza, Ezio
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1980.0339.23
accession number
1980.0339
maker number
4556-M
MM-850
catalog number
1980.0339.23
The Charioteers. side 1: Open the Door, Richard; side 2: You Can't See the Sun When You're Cryin' (Columbia 37240).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
The Charioteers. side 1: Open the Door, Richard; side 2: You Can't See the Sun When You're Cryin' (Columbia 37240).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1946
recording artist
Charioteers, The
composer
Fisher, Doris
Roberts, Allan
lyricist
Fletcher, Dusty
Mason, John
composer
McVea, Jack
Howell, Dan
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1996.0153.08711
catalog number
1996.0153.08711
label number
37240
accession number
1996.0153
side 1: Ezio Pinza with South Pacific Orchestra. Some Enchanted Evening: side 2: Juanita Hall with South Pacific Orchestra.
Description

side 1: Ezio Pinza with South Pacific Orchestra. Some Enchanted Evening: side 2: Juanita Hall with South Pacific Orchestra. Happy Talk (Columbia 4559-M), from the album, South Pacific (Columbia MM-850).
78 rpm.

This recording is of the Original Broadway cast for the 1949 musicalSouth Pacific, composed by Richard Rogers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and book by Hammerstein and Joshua Logan. South Pacific opened at the Majestic Theatre on April 7, 1949, running for 1,925 performances. It received ten Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Score, Best Libretto, including awards in all four acting categories for Mary Martin, Ezio Pinza, Juanita Hall, and Myron McCormick. In 1950, the musical won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1949
recording artist
Pinza, Ezio
Hall, Juanita
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1980.0339.26
accession number
1980.0339
maker number
4559-M
MM-850
catalog number
1980.0339.26
Benny Goodman and his Sextet. side 1: Rose Room (In Sunny Roseland); side 2: Air Mail Special (Columbia 36720), from the album, Benny Goodman Sextet, (Columbia C-102).78 rpm. Side 1 was originally recorded in 1939 and released on Columbia 35254.
Description

Benny Goodman and his Sextet. side 1: Rose Room (In Sunny Roseland); side 2: Air Mail Special (Columbia 36720), from the album, Benny Goodman Sextet, (Columbia C-102).
78 rpm. Side 1 was originally recorded in 1939 and released on Columbia 35254. Side was originally recorded in 1941 and released on Columbia 36099. This album was released in 1944.

The cover art for this album was made by Alex Steinweiss. Alexander “Alex” Steinweiss (1917-2011) was an American artist and graphic designer. He was the first art director of Columbia Records, expanding the use of album covers and cover art. Steinweiss created album cover art from 1938 to 1973.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1939
1941
release date
1944
recording artist
Benny Goodman Sextet
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1978.0670.501
maker number
36720
C-102
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.501
Golden Gate Quartet. side 1: Joshua Fit De Battle of Jericho; side 2: Wade in the Water (Columbia 37833), from the album, Golden Gate Spirituals (Columbia C-145).78 rpm.The cover art for this album was made by Robert M.
Description

Golden Gate Quartet. side 1: Joshua Fit De Battle of Jericho; side 2: Wade in the Water (Columbia 37833), from the album, Golden Gate Spirituals (Columbia C-145).
78 rpm.

The cover art for this album was made by Robert M. Jones (1913-1993) an American graphic designer and printmaker. Jones worked as art director for Columbia Records from 1945-1953, then for RCA Victor and affiliated labels.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1946
release date
1947
recording artist
Golden Gate Quartet
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1996.0320.05112
maker number
37833
C-145
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05112
Benny Goodman Sextet. side 1: Tiger Rag; side 2: Ain't Misbehavin' (Columbia 36922), from the album, Goodman Sextet Session (Columbia C-113).78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1945.
Description

Benny Goodman Sextet. side 1: Tiger Rag; side 2: Ain't Misbehavin' (Columbia 36922), from the album, Goodman Sextet Session (Columbia C-113).
78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1945. This album was released in 1946.

The album art and design was created by George Howard Maas (1910-1998), an American commercial artist, graphic artist and designer, and art director. Originally from Kansas City, Maas studied at the University of Kansas at Lawrence. In 1939, he was employed as a painter in the WPA (Works Project Administration). By the early 1940s, Maas had moved to New York City where he continued his career with much success creating cover art for albums, book design and illustrations, and poster art.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1945
release date
1946
recording artist
Benny Goodman Sextet
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1978.0670.521
maker number
36922
C-113
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.521
Kid Ory and his Creole Jazz Band. side 1: Eh, La Bas; side 2: Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho (Columbia 37275), from the album, New Orleans Jazz (Columbia C-126).78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1946.
Description

Kid Ory and his Creole Jazz Band. side 1: Eh, La Bas; side 2: Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho (Columbia 37275), from the album, New Orleans Jazz (Columbia C-126).
78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1946. The album was released in 1947.

Jim (James) Flora (1914-1998) created the cover art for this album. Flora was a successful commercial illustrator during the 1940s-1970s as well as an author and illustrator for children’s books. He was best known for his unique and quirky album cover art for RCA Victor and Columbia during the 1940s and 1950s. Flora created numerous paintings, drawings, etchings and sketches throughout his prolific career.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1946
release date
1947
recording artist
Kid Ory's Creole Jazz Band
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1978.0670.518
maker number
37275
C-126
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.518
side 1: Juanita Hall with South Pacific Orchestra. Bali Ha'i: side 2: Mary Martin with South Pacific Orchestra.
Description

side 1: Juanita Hall with South Pacific Orchestra. Bali Ha'i: side 2: Mary Martin with South Pacific Orchestra. I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair (Columbia 4562-M), from the album, South Pacific (Columbia MM-850).
78 rpm.

This recording is of the Original Broadway cast for the 1949 musicalSouth Pacific, composed by Richard Rogers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and book by Hammerstein and Joshua Logan. South Pacific opened at the Majestic Theatre on April 7, 1949, running for 1,925 performances. It received ten Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Score, Best Libretto, including awards in all four acting categories for Mary Martin, Ezio Pinza, Juanita Hall, and Myron McCormick. In 1950, the musical won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1949
recording artist
Martin, Mary
Hall, Juanita
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1980.0339.29
accession number
1980.0339
maker number
4562-M
MM-850
catalog number
1980.0339.29
Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra. side 1: Lazy Rhapsody; side 2: Blue Ramble (Columbia 35834), from the album, Hot Jazz Classics - Duke Ellington (Columbia C-38).78 rpm. Side 1 was originally recorded in 1932 and released on Brunswick 6288.
Description
Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra. side 1: Lazy Rhapsody; side 2: Blue Ramble (Columbia 35834), from the album, Hot Jazz Classics - Duke Ellington (Columbia C-38).
78 rpm. Side 1 was originally recorded in 1932 and released on Brunswick 6288. Side 2 was originally recorded in 1932 and released on Brunswick 6336. The album was released in 1940.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1932
release date
1940
recording artist
Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1978.0670.487
maker number
35834
C-38
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.487
Carson Robison and His Old Timers. side 1: The First Two Ladies Cross Over; side 2: Darling Nellie Gray (Columbia 36018), from the album, Square Dances (Columbia C 47).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Carson Robison and His Old Timers. side 1: The First Two Ladies Cross Over; side 2: Darling Nellie Gray (Columbia 36018), from the album, Square Dances (Columbia C 47).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1941
recording artist
Robison, Carson
Old Timers
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1996.0320.05243
maker number
36018
C 47
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05243

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.