Family & Social Life

Bennet Family Record

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.

Place: United States

Crazy Rhythm; Easter Parade

Harry James and his Orchestra. side 1: Crazy Rhythm; side 2: Easter Parade (Columbia 36545).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Harry James and his Orchestra. side 1: Crazy Rhythm; side 2: Easter Parade (Columbia 36545).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1942
recording artist
Harry James and His Orchestra
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1978.0670.150
maker number
36545
accession number
1978.0670

You've Gone; At the Darktown Strutter's Ball

Benny Goodman and his Orchestra. side 1: After You've Gone; side 2: At the Darktown Strutter's Ball (Columbia 36699).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Benny Goodman and his Orchestra. side 1: After You've Gone; side 2: At the Darktown Strutter's Ball (Columbia 36699).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1942
recording artist
Benny Goodman and his Orchestra
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1978.0670.139
maker number
36699
accession number
1978.0670

E.S. Boogie; Spencerian Theory

Earl Spencer. side 1: E.S. Boogie [part 1]; side 2: Spencerian Theory [part 2] (Black & White 799), from the album Progressions in Boogie (Black & White 62)78 rpmCurrently not on view
Description (Brief)
Earl Spencer. side 1: E.S. Boogie [part 1]; side 2: Spencerian Theory [part 2] (Black & White 799), from the album Progressions in Boogie (Black & White 62)
78 rpm
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1946
recording artist
Spencer, Earle
composer
Polena, Paul
Wham, Harry
manufacturer
Black & White
ID Number
1996.0153.11926.02
catalog number
1996.0153.11926.02
accession number
1996.0153
label number
799

Bass Drum, from the Fillmore Citrus Association Mexican Band

This 29-inch bass drum was used by the Fillmore Citrus Association Mexican Band, which performed during the 1920’s and 1930’s and led by conductor, Manuel Lucero.
Description (Brief)
This 29-inch bass drum was used by the Fillmore Citrus Association Mexican Band, which performed during the 1920’s and 1930’s and led by conductor, Manuel Lucero. The band primarily played throughout Ventura County, California and is known to have performed waltzes, polkas, tangos, and foxtrots, but also familiar Mexican numbers in parades, concerts, birthday parties, and other community celebrations such as July Fourth and Dieciséis de Septiembre celebrations.
The band was sponsored by The Fillmore Growers Association, an agricultural association that lobbied for the citrus industry, help set prices, set wages, manage labor housing programs, and organize public activities like fairs. Across Southern California, citrus growers installed company housing in order to recruit and maintain workers with families. As a result, large barrios or colonias of Mexican and Mexican American families formed in and around citrus farming areas of southern California. Leisure activities like sports teams and musical performances were sponsored, and at times controlled, by these associations as a way to help Americanize the foreign workers.
This type of “banda” or “orcesta” played a musical style similar to the brass bands of the eastern U.S. This interest in this type of music and the creation of these bands were formed, in part, to help create an American identity but the band members and colonias celebrating Mexican holidays and playing Mexican music, firmly kept a hold of their Mexican traditions and culture.
date made
ca 1920 - 1940
maker
Ludwig Drum Company
ID Number
2018.0213.01
accession number
2018.0213
catalog number
2018.0213.01

Oyster Plate

Porcelain factories responded to the American passion for oysters by designing special plates on which to serve the delicacy, accompanied by silver-plated forks also designed for the purpose.
Description
Porcelain factories responded to the American passion for oysters by designing special plates on which to serve the delicacy, accompanied by silver-plated forks also designed for the purpose. During the long and lavish dinners characteristic of evening entertainment among the wealthy on the East Coast in the 1870s and 1880s, guests were frequently served their first course on oyster plates such as these gilded examples produced by the Union Porcelain Works, in Greenpoint, New York, around 1881. American and European porcelain factories met increasing affluence and elaborate dining etiquette with an extensive range of items designed for specific foods and beverages. Oyster plates represent one such refinement in response to a newly acquired taste for the shellfish.
date made
About 1881
about 1881
maker
Union Porcelain Works
ID Number
CE.75.123E
catalog number
75.123E
accession number
317832

Pennsylvania Model T-15 Power Mower

Date made
1951
maker
Pennsylvania Lawn Mower Works
ID Number
1992.0358.01
accession number
1992.0358
catalog number
1992.0358.01

Aunt Hagar's Blues; East St. Louis Blues

side 1: The Dixieland Jazz Group of "NBC's Chamber Music Society of Lower Basin Street" with Lena Horne. Aunt Hagar's Blues; side 2: The Dixieland Jazz Group of "NBC's Chamber Music Society of Lower Basin Street." East St.
Description
side 1: The Dixieland Jazz Group of "NBC's Chamber Music Society of Lower Basin Street" with Lena Horne. Aunt Hagar's Blues; side 2: The Dixieland Jazz Group of "NBC's Chamber Music Society of Lower Basin Street." East St. Louis Blues (Victor 27544), from the album, The Birth of the Blues: An Album Of W.C. Handy Music (Victor P 82).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1941
recording artist
Horne, Lena
Dixieland Jazz Group of NBC's CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY of Lower Basin Street
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1979.1023.156
accession number
1979.1023
maker number
27544
P 82
catalog number
1979.1023.156

Children's Cowboy Songs

Children's Cowboy Songs song book and coloring book published by Edward Schuberth and Company in New York, New York, in 1946. The cover, by artist Albert Barbelle, features a multi-color ink image depicting a boy and a girl riding horses.
Description

Children's Cowboy Songs song book and coloring book published by Edward Schuberth and Company in New York, New York, in 1946. The cover, by artist Albert Barbelle, features a multi-color ink image depicting a boy and a girl riding horses.

The cover art for this song book was made by American artist and designer Albert Wilfred Barbelle (1887-1957). With a prolific career spanning over forty years, Barbelle created cover art for sheet music and albums.

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1946
publisher
Edward Schuberth and Company
ID Number
2013.0253.01
accession number
2013.0253
catalog number
2013.0253.01

Never No Mo' Blues; Daddy and Home

Jimmie Rodgers. side 1: Never No Mo' Blues; side 2: Daddy and Home (RCA Victor 21-0043), from the album, Yodeling Yours (RCA Victor P 244), 78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1928. This album was released in 1949.Currently not on view
Description
Jimmie Rodgers. side 1: Never No Mo' Blues; side 2: Daddy and Home (RCA Victor 21-0043), from the album, Yodeling Yours (RCA Victor P 244),
78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1928. This album was released in 1949.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1928
release date
1949
recording artist
Rodgers, Jimmie
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0320.05256
maker number
21-0043
P 244
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05256

Long Ago and Far Away; All of Me

Teddy Wilson.
Description

Teddy Wilson. side 1: Long Ago and Far Away; side 2: All of Me (Musicraft 372), from the album, Teddy Wilson Plays (Musicraft N7).
78 rpm.

The cover art for this album was made by Art Seiden (1923-2004) an American artist and illustrator best known for his illustrations for children’s books. Seiden illustrated over 300 books and was author and artist for more than 20 children’s books.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1946
recording artist
Wilson, Teddy
manufacturer
Musicraft
ID Number
1981.0656.475
accession number
1981.0656
maker number
372
N7
catalog number
1981.0656.475

The Foggy Foggy Dew; Black Is the Color

Burl Ives. side 1: The Foggy Foggy Dew; side 2: Black Is the Color (Asch 345-2), from the album, The Wayfaring Stranger (Asch 345).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Burl Ives. side 1: The Foggy Foggy Dew; side 2: Black Is the Color (Asch 345-2), from the album, The Wayfaring Stranger (Asch 345).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1944
recording artist
Ives, Burl
manufacturer
Asch
ID Number
1979.1023.089
maker number
345-2
345
accession number
1979.1023
catalog number
1979.1023.089

1835 - 1845 Quaker Trousseau Pieced Quilt

An intriguing note came with this framed medallion quilt when it was donated: “The Quaker Quilt. Phil.
Description
An intriguing note came with this framed medallion quilt when it was donated: “The Quaker Quilt. Phil. ca 1840 made for wedding of bride of early Philadelphia Quaker Abolitionist of pieces from the gowns of her trousseau.” Unfortunately there is no indication of the quilt maker or ownership.
The focus of the 41-inch central square, “Star of Bethlehem,” is set off by a 5-inch octagonal border. Additional pieced and plain borders frame this variation of a medallion-style quilt. The beige, tan, brown, rust, and light grey silks and satins utilized for the pattern would be typical of the Quaker esthetic and period. The quilt is lined with roller printed cottons and filled with wool. It is quilted with a variety of geometric patterns (grid, diagonal, chevron, and parallel lines), feathered and flowering vines in the borders, and a spray of flowers in the corner squares. This quilt is a precisely designed example of Quaker quilts in the mid-19th century.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1835-1845
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.E388880
accession number
182022
catalog number
E388880

My Protector

Colored print of a little boy wearing eyelet-trimmed shorts, vest and jacket. He holds the leash of a brown and white dog that is seated next to him. Toys are scattered on the rug at his feet and on a table in background.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Colored print of a little boy wearing eyelet-trimmed shorts, vest and jacket. He holds the leash of a brown and white dog that is seated next to him. Toys are scattered on the rug at his feet and on a table in background.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1874
maker
Schile, Henry
ID Number
DL.60.2463
catalog number
60.2463
accession number
228146

Maxology

Max Roach Quintet. side 1: Maxology [part 1]; side 2: Maxology [part 2] (Prestige 702)78 rpm. "Maxology" is also known as "Baby Sis."Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Max Roach Quintet. side 1: Maxology [part 1]; side 2: Maxology [part 2] (Prestige 702)
78 rpm.
"Maxology" is also known as "Baby Sis."
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1949
recording artist
Max Roach Quintet
manufacturer
Prestige
ID Number
1978.0670.360
maker number
702
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.360

The Cowboy Serenade (While I'm Rollin' My Last Cigarette); Yes Indeed!

The Charioteers. side 1: The Cowboy Serenade (While I'm Rollin' My Last Cigarette); side 2: Yes Indeed! (Okeh 6310).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
The Charioteers. side 1: The Cowboy Serenade (While I'm Rollin' My Last Cigarette); side 2: Yes Indeed! (Okeh 6310).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1941
recording artist
Charioteers, The
composer
Oliver, Sy
Hall, Richard
manufacturer
Okeh
ID Number
1996.0153.08705
catalog number
1996.0153.08705
label number
6310
accession number
1996.0153

Howdy Doody's Lucky Trip

Howdy Doody's Lucky Trip was written by Edward Kean with illustrations by Harry McNaught, published by Simon & Schuster in New York, New York, in 1953.In addition to Howdy Doody's Lucky Trip, Harry McNaught illustrated several Little Golden Books, including the Wizard of Oz serie
Description

Howdy Doody's Lucky Trip was written by Edward Kean with illustrations by Harry McNaught, published by Simon & Schuster in New York, New York, in 1953.

In addition to Howdy Doody's Lucky Trip, Harry McNaught illustrated several Little Golden Books, including the Wizard of Oz series from the 1950s, the popular Animal Babies and several Big Golden Books on nature and science. More recently, he created the images for two Little Golden Books on the characters from the Muppets.

From 1947 to 1960, the Howdy Doody Show was the leading children’s TV program in the United States. The creator of the Howdy Doody character, “Buffalo” Bob Smith, first performed him as a radio character. When the show transitioned to TV, Frank Paris created the new puppet, but left the show (with the puppet) in 1948 to disputes over merchandising rights. Velma Dawson created the now ubiquitous Howdy Doody that debuted in 1949. This Howdy Doody became popular spokes character, hawking sponsored products on the show or in print.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1953
maker
Simon and Schuster
ID Number
2013.0078.01
accession number
2013.0078
catalog number
2013.0078.01

There'll Be a Hot Time in Old Town Tonight; Alexander's Ragtime Band

Bessie Smith and her Blue Boys. side 1: There'll Be a Hot Time in Old Town Tonight; side 2: Alexander's Ragtime Band (British Rhythm Society BRS 1012).78 rpm.
Description (Brief)

Bessie Smith and her Blue Boys. side 1: There'll Be a Hot Time in Old Town Tonight; side 2: Alexander's Ragtime Band (British Rhythm Society BRS 1012).
78 rpm. Both tracks were originally recorded in 1927 and released on Columbia 14219-D.

British Rhythm Society was a 78-rpm record bootleg label founded by American jazz enthusiast and record label manager Dante S. Bollettino in New York, in 1950. Most of the BRS pressings were on non-breakable vinyl. British Rhythm Society was fictional and most likely created as a “club label” akin to legitimate re-issue record labels Hot Record Society and United Hot Clubs of America. Bollettino was also responsible for Jolly Roger Records bootleg label.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1927
recording artist
Bessie Smith and her Blue Boys
manufacturer
British Rhythm Society
ID Number
1978.0670.058
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
BRS 1012
catalog number
1978.0670.058

I Can't Say No; Pore Jud Is Daid

side 1: Celeste Holm with Oklahoma Orchestra. I Can't Say No; side 2: Alfred Drake and Howard da Silva with Oklahoma Orchestra. Pore Jud Is Daid (Decca 23286), from the album, Oklahoma! (Decca A-359).
Description

side 1: Celeste Holm with Oklahoma Orchestra. I Can't Say No; side 2: Alfred Drake and Howard da Silva with Oklahoma Orchestra. Pore Jud Is Daid (Decca 23286), from the album, Oklahoma! (Decca A-359). 78 rpm.

This album is from the 1943 Broadway musical Oklahoma!, with book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and music by Richard Rogers. Oklahoma! opened on March 31, 1943 at the St. James Theatre and ran for 2,212 performances.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1943
recording artist
Holm, Celeste
Drake, Alfred
da Silva, Howard
manufacturer
Decca
ID Number
1980.0339.10
maker number
23286
A-359
accession number
1980.0339
catalog number
1980.0339.10

Margie; Palesteena

Original Dixieland Jazz Band. side 1: Margie; side 2: Palesteena (Victor 18717).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Original Dixieland Jazz Band. side 1: Margie; side 2: Palesteena (Victor 18717).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1920
recording artist
Original Dixieland Jazz Band
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1978.0670.409
maker number
18717
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.409

At the Codfish Ball; Josephine

Tommy Dorsey and his Clambake Seven. side 1: At the Codfish Ball; side 2: Josephine (RCA Victor 20-3031), from the album, Tommy Dorsey's Clambake Seven (RCA Victor P-220).78 rpm. Side 1 was originally recorded in 1936 and released on Victor 25314.
Description
Tommy Dorsey and his Clambake Seven. side 1: At the Codfish Ball; side 2: Josephine (RCA Victor 20-3031), from the album, Tommy Dorsey's Clambake Seven (RCA Victor P-220).
78 rpm. Side 1 was originally recorded in 1936 and released on Victor 25314. Side 2 was originally recorded in 1937 and released on Victor 25676. The album was released in 1948.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1936
1937
release date
1948
recording artist
Tommy Dorsey and his Clambake Seven
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1978.0670.659
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
20-3031
P-220
catalog number
1978.0670.659

George Lewis' Ragtime Band

George Lewis' Ragtime Band. George Lewis' Ragtome Band (Jazz Man LP1).33-1/3 rpm.Jazz Man Records was founded by David Ashford Stuart in 1941. The record label was devoted to traditional New Orleans-style jazz.
Description (Brief)

George Lewis' Ragtime Band. George Lewis' Ragtome Band (Jazz Man LP1).
33-1/3 rpm.

Jazz Man Records was founded by David Ashford Stuart in 1941. The record label was devoted to traditional New Orleans-style jazz. In 1946, Stuart sold the label to Nesuhi Ertegun, brother of Ahmet Ertegun, founder of Atlantic Records, and Nesuhi’s wife Marili Morden, owners of the Jazz Man Record Shop in Hollywood, the label’s namesake. Jazz Man Records continued to produce recordings until late 1954.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1953
recording artist
George Lewis' Ragtime Band
manufacturer
Jazz Man
ID Number
1978.0670.707
maker number
LP1
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.707

1830 - 1850 Boat Shaped Bathtub

Nineteenth–century bathtubs were viewed as furniture rather than fixtures. As such, tin tubs were often decorated with painted stripes and swags or marbleized to imitate wood.
Description
Nineteenth–century bathtubs were viewed as furniture rather than fixtures. As such, tin tubs were often decorated with painted stripes and swags or marbleized to imitate wood. This tub, with its multicolored stripes around the top edge and its painted wood stand, would fit appropriately among the other "fancy" household furniture of the period. This tub likely was used in a dressing room or bedroom.
For more information on bathing and bathtubs in the 19th and early 20th centuries, please see the introduction to this online exhibition.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1830 - 1850
maker
unknown
ID Number
DL.68.0723
catalog number
68.0723
accession number
275377

D.C.; The Crime Stoppers Club

Record from a DC area crime stoppers club. The record is wrapped in a piece of thin white paper and has a white label with blue print around the center. The label on the record features a Crime Stoppers Stamp Out Crime logo with a person stamping on a shadow.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Record from a DC area crime stoppers club. The record is wrapped in a piece of thin white paper and has a white label with blue print around the center. The label on the record features a Crime Stoppers Stamp Out Crime logo with a person stamping on a shadow.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1972
recording artist
Crime Stoppers Club
ID Number
1987.0743.003
accession number
1987.0743
catalog number
1987.0743.003

Tea For Two

Various artists. side 1: Tea For Two [part 3]; side 2: Tea For Two [part 4] (Clef 105), from the album, Norman Granz' Jazz At the Philharmonic, Vol. 7 (Clef 101).78 rpm.The cover art for this album was by Merle Shore, American artist, illustrator, and graphic designer.
Description

Various artists. side 1: Tea For Two [part 3]; side 2: Tea For Two [part 4] (Clef 105), from the album, Norman Granz' Jazz At the Philharmonic, Vol. 7 (Clef 101).
78 rpm.

The cover art for this album was by Merle Shore, American artist, illustrator, and graphic designer. Shore served as Art Director for Verve, Capitol, and Reprise record companies.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1944
recording artist
Jacquet, Illinois
McVea, Jack
Johnson, J. J.
Paul, Les
Shorty Nadine
Young, Lee
Miller, Johnny
manufacturer
Clef
ID Number
1978.0670.485
maker number
105
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.485

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