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.

Frankie Carle and his Sunrise Serenaders. side 1: Barcolle; side 2: Prelude in C Sharp Minor (Columbia 35573), from the album, At the Piano...Frankie Carle (Columbia C-23).78 rpm.The cover art for this album was made by Alex Steinweiss.
Description

Frankie Carle and his Sunrise Serenaders. side 1: Barcolle; side 2: Prelude in C Sharp Minor (Columbia 35573), 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
Frankie Carle and his Sunrise Serenaders
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1979.1023.096
maker number
35573
C-23
accession number
1979.1023
catalog number
1979.1023.096
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
1996.0320.05146
maker number
36736
C 103
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05146
side 1: Barbara Luna with South Pacific Orchestra. Dites Moi [track 1] Mary Martin with South Pacific Orchestra. A Cock-Eyed Optimist [track 2]: side 2: Ezio Pinza with South Pacific Orchestra.
Description

side 1: Barbara Luna with South Pacific Orchestra. Dites Moi [track 1] Mary Martin with South Pacific Orchestra. A Cock-Eyed Optimist [track 2]: side 2: Ezio Pinza with South Pacific Orchestra. This Nearly Was Mine (Columbia 4557-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
Luna, Barbara
Martin, Mary
Pinza, Ezio
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1980.0339.24
accession number
1980.0339
maker number
4557-M
MM-850
catalog number
1980.0339.24
Earl Hines. side 1: Caution Blues; side 2: A Monday Date (Columbia 35876), from the album, Hot Jazz Classics - Earl Hines (Columbia C-41).78 rpm. Both tracks were originally recorded in 1928 and released on Okeh 8832.
Description

Earl Hines. side 1: Caution Blues; side 2: A Monday Date (Columbia 35876), from the album, Hot Jazz Classics - Earl Hines (Columbia C-41).
78 rpm. Both tracks were originally recorded in 1928 and released on Okeh 8832. 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
date made
1928
release date
1944
associated person
Hines, Earl
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1978.0670.496
maker number
35876
C-41
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.496
Teddy Wilson. side 1: Body and Soul; side 2: China Boy (Columbia 36634), from the album, Teddy Wilson 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: Body and Soul; side 2: China Boy (Columbia 36634), from the album, Teddy Wilson 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
1978.0670.512
maker number
36634
C-93
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.512
Duke Ellington's Sextet. side 1: Tough Truckin'; side 2: Indigo Echoes (Columbia 37297), from the album, Hot Jazz Classics - Ellington Special (Columbia C-127).78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1935.
Description

Duke Ellington's Sextet. side 1: Tough Truckin'; side 2: Indigo Echoes (Columbia 37297), from the album, Hot Jazz Classics - Ellington Special (Columbia C-127).
78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1935. 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
1935
release date
1947
recording artist
Duke Ellington's Sextet
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1978.0670.514
maker number
37297
C-127
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.514
Frankie Carle. side 1: A Lover's Lullaby [track 1] Sunrise Serenade [track 2]; side 2: HINDUSTAN (Columbia 35570), from the album, At the Piano...Frankie Carle (Columbia C-23).78 rpm.The cover art for this album was made by Alex Steinweiss.
Description

Frankie Carle. side 1: A Lover's Lullaby [track 1] Sunrise Serenade [track 2]; side 2: HINDUSTAN (Columbia 35570), 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
1979.1023.093
maker number
35570
C-23
accession number
1979.1023
catalog number
1979.1023.093
Phil Zito and his New Orleans International City Dixielanders. side 1: Clarinet Marmalade; side 2: Tulane Swing (Columbia 38755), from the album, Dixieland Express (Columbia C-199).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Phil Zito and his New Orleans International City Dixielanders. side 1: Clarinet Marmalade; side 2: Tulane Swing (Columbia 38755), from the album, Dixieland Express (Columbia C-199).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1949
recording artist
Phil Zito and his New Orleans International City Dixielanders
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1978.0670.532
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
38755
C-199
catalog number
1978.0670.532
Kid Ory and his Creole Jazz Band. side 1: Bucket Got a Hole in It; side 2: Tiger Rag (Columbia 37274), 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: Bucket Got a Hole in It; side 2: Tiger Rag (Columbia 37274), 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
release date
1947
recording date
1946
recording artist
Kid Ory's Creole Jazz Band
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1978.0670.517
maker number
37274
C-126
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.517
The Charioteers. side 1: I Miss You So; side 2: You're Breaking in a New Heart (While You're Breaking Mine) (Columbia 37546).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
The Charioteers. side 1: I Miss You So; side 2: You're Breaking in a New Heart (While You're Breaking Mine) (Columbia 37546).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1947
recording artist
Charioteers, The
composer
Drake, Ervin
Shirl, Jimmy
Henderson, Jimmy
Scott, Bertha
Robin, Sid
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1996.0153.08708
catalog number
1996.0153.08708
label number
37546
accession number
1996.0153
Gene Autry. side 1: Twilight on the Trail; side 2: Ridin' Down the Canton (Columbia 37186), from the album, Gene Autry's Western Classics (Columbia C 120).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Gene Autry. side 1: Twilight on the Trail; side 2: Ridin' Down the Canton (Columbia 37186), 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
1996.0320.05058
maker number
37186
C 120
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05058
The Charioteers. side 1: Hawaiian Sunset; side 2: This Side of Heaven (Columbia 38602).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
The Charioteers. side 1: Hawaiian Sunset; side 2: This Side of Heaven (Columbia 38602).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1941
composer
Browning, Duncan
recording artist
Charioteers, The
composer
Kaye, Billy
Kaye, Sammy
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1996.0153.08707
catalog number
1996.0153.08707
label number
38602
accession number
1996.0153
Chris Powell and The Five Blue Flames. side 1: Down in the Bottom; side 2: Hauntin' Pinochle Blues (Columbia 30205).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Chris Powell and The Five Blue Flames. side 1: Down in the Bottom; side 2: Hauntin' Pinochle Blues (Columbia 30205).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1950
recording artist; composer
Powell, Chris
recording artist
Chris Powell and The Five Blue Flames
composer
Theard, Sam
Brannon, Teddy
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1996.3034.10962
nonaccession number
1996.3034
label number
30205
catalog number
1996.3034.10962
side 1: Men's Chorus with South Pacific Orchestra. Bloody Mary: side 2: William Tabbert with South Pacific Orchestra.
Description

side 1: Men's Chorus with South Pacific Orchestra. Bloody Mary: side 2: William Tabbert with South Pacific Orchestra. Younger Than Springtime (Columbia 4560-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
Tabbert, William
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1980.0339.27
accession number
1980.0339
maker number
4560-M
MM-850
catalog number
1980.0339.27
Burl Ives. side 1: Tam Pierce (Old Englisher); side 2: I Know Where I'm Going [track 1] I Know My Love [track 2] (Columbia 36734), from the album, The Wayfaring Stranger (Columbia C 103).78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1941.
Description

Burl Ives. side 1: Tam Pierce (Old Englisher); side 2: I Know Where I'm Going [track 1] I Know My Love [track 2] (Columbia 36734), 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
1996.0320.05144
maker number
36734
C 103
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05144
Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra. side 1: T.T. On Toast; side 2: I Don't Know Why I Love You So (Columbia 37296), from the album, Hot Jazz Classics - Ellington Special (Columbia C-127).78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1938. Side 2 was recorded in 1936.
Description

Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra. side 1: T.T. On Toast; side 2: I Don't Know Why I Love You So (Columbia 37296), from the album, Hot Jazz Classics - Ellington Special (Columbia C-127).
78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1938. Side 2 was recorded in 1936. 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
1938
1936
release date
1947
recording artist
Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1978.0670.513
maker number
37296
C-127
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.513
Burl Ives. side 1: On Sprinfield Mountain; side 2: Little Mohee (Columbia 38482), from the album, Return of the Wayfaring Stranger (Columbia C 186).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Burl Ives. side 1: On Sprinfield Mountain; side 2: Little Mohee (Columbia 38482), from the album, Return of the Wayfaring Stranger (Columbia C 186).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1949
recording artist
Ives, Burl
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1996.0320.05136
maker number
38482
C 186
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05136
The Charioteers. side 1: Run, Run, Run; side 2: The Tourist Trade (Columbia 38261).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
The Charioteers. side 1: Run, Run, Run; side 2: The Tourist Trade (Columbia 38261).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1948
recording artist
Charioteers, The
composer
Cahn, Sammy
Styne, Jule
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1996.0153.08712
catalog number
1996.0153.08712
label number
38261
accession number
1996.0153
Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra. side 1: Best Wishes; side 2: Bundle of Blues (Columbia 35836), from the album, Hot Jazz Classics - Duke Ellington (Columbia C-38).78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1932. Side 2 was recorded in 1933.
Description
Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra. side 1: Best Wishes; side 2: Bundle of Blues (Columbia 35836), from the album, Hot Jazz Classics - Duke Ellington (Columbia C-38).
78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1932. Side 2 was recorded in 1933. Both tracks are dubs from the original recordings. The album was released in 1940.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1932
1933
release date
1940
recording artist
Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1978.0670.489
maker number
35836
C-38
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.489
The Charioteers. side 1: Oooh! Look-a There, Ain't She Pretty?; side 2: What Did He Say (The Mumble Song) (Columbia 38065).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
The Charioteers. side 1: Oooh! Look-a There, Ain't She Pretty?; side 2: What Did He Say (The Mumble Song) (Columbia 38065).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1947
recording artist
Charioteers, The
composer
Coben, Cy
Grean, Charles
Todd, Clarence
Lombardo, Carmen
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1996.0153.08710
catalog number
1996.0153.08710
label number
38065
accession number
1996.0153
Gene Autry. side 1: Merry Texas Christmas, You All!; side 2: The Night Before Christmas (In Texas, That Is) (Columbia MJV 150).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Gene Autry. side 1: Merry Texas Christmas, You All!; side 2: The Night Before Christmas (In Texas, That Is) (Columbia MJV 150).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1952
recording artist
Autry, Gene
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1996.0320.11151
collector/donor number
2849
maker number
MJV 150
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.11151
Carson Robison and His Old Timers. side 1: Dive for the Oyster [part1]; side 2: Dive for the Oyster [part 2] (Columbia 36020), from the album, Square Dances (Columbia C-47).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Carson Robison and His Old Timers. side 1: Dive for the Oyster [part1]; side 2: Dive for the Oyster [part 2] (Columbia 36020), from the album, Square Dances (Columbia C-47).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1941
recording artist
Carson Robison and His Old Timers
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1996.0320.05249
maker number
36020
C-47
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05249
Jimmy Dorsey and his Original "Dorseyland" Jazz Band. side 1: Muskat Ramble; side 2: High Society (Columbia 38656), from the album, Dixie By Dorsey (Columbia C-196).78 rpm.Jim (James) Flora (1914-1998) created the cover art for this album.
Description

Jimmy Dorsey and his Original "Dorseyland" Jazz Band. side 1: Muskat Ramble; side 2: High Society (Columbia 38656), from the album, Dixie By Dorsey (Columbia C-196).
78 rpm.

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
1949
recording artist
Jimmy Dorsey and his Original "Dorseyland" Jazz Band
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1978.0670.527
maker number
38656
C-196
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.527
Jimmy Dorsey and his Original "Dorseyland" Jazz Band. side 1: Jazz Me Blues; side 2: Panama (Columbia 38654), from the album, Dixie By Dorsey (Columbia C-196).78 rpm.Jim (James) Flora (1914-1998) created the cover art for this album.
Description

Jimmy Dorsey and his Original "Dorseyland" Jazz Band. side 1: Jazz Me Blues; side 2: Panama (Columbia 38654), from the album, Dixie By Dorsey (Columbia C-196).
78 rpm.

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
1949
recording artist
Jimmy Dorsey and his Original "Dorseyland" Jazz Band
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1978.0670.525
maker number
38654
C-196
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.525

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