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.

Milton Brown and his Brownies. side 1:Sadie Green (The Vamp of New Orleans); side 2: Alice Blue Gown (Decca 5311).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Milton Brown and his Brownies. side 1:Sadie Green (The Vamp of New Orleans); side 2: Alice Blue Gown (Decca 5311).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1936
recording artist
Milton Brown and his Brownies
manufacturer
Decca
ID Number
1996.0320.12329
collector/donor number
2900
maker number
5311
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.12329
Denver Darling and his Texas Cowhands. side 1: 1942 Turkey in the Straw; side 2: The Devil and Mr. Hitler (Decca 6043).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Denver Darling and his Texas Cowhands. side 1: 1942 Turkey in the Straw; side 2: The Devil and Mr. Hitler (Decca 6043).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1942
recording artist
Denver Darling and his Texas Cowhands
manufacturer
Decca
ID Number
1996.0320.15131
collector/donor number
3675
maker number
6043
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.15131
McCravy Brothers. side 1: When They Ring the Golden Bells; side 2: Will the Circle Be Unbroken? (Davis DA-20-3/4), from the album, Religious Songs by the McCravy Brothers (Davis DA-20).78 rpm.
Description

McCravy Brothers. side 1: When They Ring the Golden Bells; side 2: Will the Circle Be Unbroken? (Davis DA-20-3/4), from the album, Religious Songs by the McCravy Brothers (Davis DA-20).
78 rpm. This coupling was initially released on Crown 3040.

Crown Records was a budget label started by the Plaza Music Company after its merger with the American Record Corporation (ARC) in 1930. Crown oversaw the Homestead Records mail order label from ARC. Crown and its subsidiaries were active until 1933.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1930
recording artist
McCravy Brothers
manufacturer
Davis
ID Number
1996.0320.05186
maker number
DA-20-3/4
DA-20
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05186
various artists. side 1: Sweet Georgia Brown [part 3]; side 2: High on an Open Mike [part 3] (Vox 16104). from the album, WNEW Saturday Night Swing Session, Vol. 2 (Vox VSP 310).78 rpmWNEW (AM 1130) was a New York based radio station.
Description

various artists. side 1: Sweet Georgia Brown [part 3]; side 2: High on an Open Mike [part 3] (Vox 16104). from the album, WNEW Saturday Night Swing Session, Vol. 2 (Vox VSP 310).
78 rpm

WNEW (AM 1130) was a New York based radio station. This recording features jazz radio broadcasts from the station, recorded in 1947.

This album features artwork by American painter, printmaker, and teacher, Daniel (Dan) Shapiro (1920-1982). He created the artwork for several albums including recordings by Louis Armstrong, Alex Wilder, Charlie Christian, Marlene Dietrich, Edith Piaf, and Richard Dyer Bennett. Shapiro’s works were first exhibited at the Cooper Union Art School in 1940 and 1941. He had much success with his solo shows in the 1960s at the University of California at San Francisco, Cellini Gallery, San Francisco Museum of Art, and Rice University in Houston.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1947
recording artist
Ventura, Charlie
Eager, Allen
Harris, Bill
Jackson, Chubby
Rich, Buddy
Navarro, Fats
Burns, Ralph
Valente, Al
manufacturer
Vox
ID Number
1978.0670.687
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
16104
VSP 310
catalog number
1978.0670.687
side 1: Benny Goodman Trio. Where Or When?; side 2: Benny Goodman Quintet. I Cried for You (Bluebird B-11456).78 rpm. Side 1 was originally recorded in 1937 and released on Victor 25725. Side 2 was originally recorded in in 1938 and released on Victor 26139.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
side 1: Benny Goodman Trio. Where Or When?; side 2: Benny Goodman Quintet. I Cried for You (Bluebird B-11456).
78 rpm. Side 1 was originally recorded in 1937 and released on Victor 25725. Side 2 was originally recorded in in 1938 and released on Victor 26139.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1937
1938
recording artist
Benny Goodman Quintet
Benny Goodman Trio
manufacturer
Bluebird
ID Number
1978.0670.018
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
B-11456
catalog number
1978.0670.018
Pete Daily and his Chicagoans. side 1: Skeleton Jangle; side 2: Roundhouse Rag (Decca 27038), from the album, Dixieland Jazz Battle, Vol. 1 (Decca A-770).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Pete Daily and his Chicagoans. side 1: Skeleton Jangle; side 2: Roundhouse Rag (Decca 27038), from the album, Dixieland Jazz Battle, Vol. 1 (Decca A-770).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1950
recording artist
Pete Daily and his Chicagoans
manufacturer
Decca
ID Number
1978.0670.596
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
27038
A-770
catalog number
1978.0670.596
Zep Meissner and his Dixieland All-Stars. side 1: Riverboat Shuffle; side 2: Loulla (MGM 30167), from the album, New Dixieland Jazz (MGM 36).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Zep Meissner and his Dixieland All-Stars. side 1: Riverboat Shuffle; side 2: Loulla (MGM 30167), from the album, New Dixieland Jazz (MGM 36).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1946
recording artist
Zep Meissner and his Dixieland All-Stars
manufacturer
MGM
ID Number
1978.0670.643
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
30167
36
catalog number
1978.0670.643
Hazel Scott. side 1: I Guess I'll Have to Change My Plans; side 2: Valse in C Sharp Minor, Opus 64, NO. 2 (Signature 15023), from the album, Hazel Scott (Signature S-1).78 rpm.
Description
Hazel Scott. side 1: I Guess I'll Have to Change My Plans; side 2: Valse in C Sharp Minor, Opus 64, NO. 2 (Signature 15023), from the album, Hazel Scott (Signature S-1).
78 rpm.
recording date
1946
recording artist
Scott, Hazel
manufacturer
Signature
ID Number
1979.1023.140
accession number
1979.1023
maker number
15023
S-1
catalog number
1979.1023.140
Burl Ives. side 1: Bonnie Wee Lassie; side 2: Colorado Trail / Roving Gambler (Columbia 38484), from the album, Return of the Wayfaring Stranger (Columbia C 186).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Burl Ives. side 1: Bonnie Wee Lassie; side 2: Colorado Trail / Roving Gambler (Columbia 38484), 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
1996.0320.05138
maker number
38484
C 186
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05138
Victor Military Band. side 1: Anchor's Aweigh (The Song of the Navy); side 2: Semper Paratus (Coast Guard Song) (Victor 27812), from the album, Songs of the Service (Victor P 117).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Victor Military Band. side 1: Anchor's Aweigh (The Song of the Navy); side 2: Semper Paratus (Coast Guard Song) (Victor 27812), from the album, Songs of the Service (Victor P 117).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1942
recording artist
Victor Military Band
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1980.0339.32
accession number
1980.0339
maker number
27812
P 117
catalog number
1980.0339.32
Oscar Peterson. side 1: Three O'Clock in the Morning; side 2: All the Things You Are (Mercury 8923), from the album, Oscar Peterson (Mercury C106).78 rpm.The cover art for this album was by David Stone Martin (born David Livingstone Martin, 1913-1992).
Description

Oscar Peterson. side 1: Three O'Clock in the Morning; side 2: All the Things You Are (Mercury 8923), from the album, Oscar Peterson (Mercury C106).
78 rpm.

The cover art for this album was by David Stone Martin (born David Livingstone Martin, 1913-1992). Martin was an American artist best known for his illustrations on jazz album covers for labels including Mercury, Asch, Clef, Disc, and Dial. Many of his commissions were from Martin’s longtime friend, American jazz record producer and concert promoter Norman Granz (1918-2001).

Location
Currently not on view
release date
1950
recording artist
Peterson, Oscar
manufacturer
Mercury
ID Number
1981.0656.470
accession number
1981.0656
maker number
8923
C106
catalog number
1981.0656.470
The American Square Dance Group and The American Square Dance Orchestra. side 1: Square Dance Medley; side 2: The New Portland Fancy (Keynote Recordings K-555), from the album, Square Dance (Keynote Recordings K 130).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
The American Square Dance Group and The American Square Dance Orchestra. side 1: Square Dance Medley; side 2: The New Portland Fancy (Keynote Recordings K-555), from the album, Square Dance (Keynote Recordings K 130).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
ca 1943
recording artist
American Square Dance Orchestra
American Square Dance Group
manufacturer
Keynote Recordings
ID Number
1996.0320.05004
maker number
K-555
K 130
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05004
Burl Ives. side 1: Wee Cooper O' Fife [track 1] Riddle Song [track 2]; side 2: Cowboy's Lament (Columbia 36733), from the album, The Wayfaring Stranger (Columbia C 103).78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1941.
Description

Burl Ives. side 1: Wee Cooper O' Fife [track 1] Riddle Song [track 2]; side 2: Cowboy's Lament (Columbia 36733), 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
1996.0320.05143
maker number
36733
C 103
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05143
Benny Goodman and his Sextet. side 1: Poor Butterfly; side 2: Grand Slam (Columbia 36722), from the album, Benny Goodman Sextet (Columbia C-102).78 rpm. Side 1 was originally recorded in 1940 and released on Columbia 35466.
Description

Benny Goodman and his Sextet. side 1: Poor Butterfly; side 2: Grand Slam (Columbia 36722), from the album, Benny Goodman Sextet (Columbia C-102).
78 rpm. Side 1 was originally recorded in 1940 and released on Columbia 35466. Side 2 was originally recorded in 1940 and released on Columbia 35482. 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
1940
release date
1944
recording artist
Benny Goodman Sextet
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1978.0670.503
maker number
36722
C-102
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.503
Bing Crosby. side 1: White Christmas; side 2: God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman (Decca 23778), from the album, Merry Christmas - Bing Crosby (Decca A-550).78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1942 and initially released on Decca 18511. Side 2 was recorded in 1947.
Description
Bing Crosby. side 1: White Christmas; side 2: God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman (Decca 23778), from the album, Merry Christmas - Bing Crosby (Decca A-550).
78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1942 and initially released on Decca 18511. Side 2 was recorded in 1947. This album was released in 1947.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1947
1942
recording artist
Crosby, Bing
manufacturer
Decca
ID Number
1979.0462.03
accession number
1979.0462
maker number
23778
A-550
catalog number
1979.0462.03
Tony Kraber. side 1: The Old Chisholm Trail; side 2: Green Grow the Lilacs (Keynote Recordings K 505), from the album, The Old Chisholm Trail: Songs of the American Southwest (Keynote Recordings 104).78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1941.
Description
Tony Kraber. side 1: The Old Chisholm Trail; side 2: Green Grow the Lilacs (Keynote Recordings K 505), from the album, The Old Chisholm Trail: Songs of the American Southwest (Keynote Recordings 104).
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
Kraber, Tony
manufacturer
Keynote Recordings
ID Number
1979.1023.130
accession number
1979.1023
maker number
K505
104
catalog number
1979.1023.130
Lu Watters and his Yerba Buena Jazz Band. side 1: Sage Hen Strut; side 2: When the Saints Go Marching In (Mercury 11051), from the album, Lu Watters Jazz (Mercury C-103).78 rpm.The cover art for this album was by David Stone Martin (born David Livingstone Martin, 1913-1992).
Description

Lu Watters and his Yerba Buena Jazz Band. side 1: Sage Hen Strut; side 2: When the Saints Go Marching In (Mercury 11051), from the album, Lu Watters Jazz (Mercury C-103).
78 rpm.

The cover art for this album was by David Stone Martin (born David Livingstone Martin, 1913-1992). Martin was an American artist best known for his illustrations on jazz album covers for labels including Mercury, Asch, Clef, Disc, and Dial. Many of his commissions were from Martin’s longtime friend, American jazz record producer and concert promoter Norman Granz (1918-2001).

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1950
recording artist
Lu Watters' Yerba Buena Jazz Band
manufacturer
Mercury
ID Number
1978.0670.639
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
11051
C-103
catalog number
1978.0670.639
Carson Robison and his Pleasant Valley Boys. side 1: Golden Slippers; side 2: Turkey in the Straw (RCA Victor 20-1833), from the album, Square Dances (RCA Victor P 155).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Carson Robison and his Pleasant Valley Boys. side 1: Golden Slippers; side 2: Turkey in the Straw (RCA Victor 20-1833), from the album, Square Dances (RCA Victor P 155).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1946
recording artist
Carson Robison and His Pleasant Valley Boys
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0320.05254
maker number
20-1833
P 155
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05254
Bind Blake and his Royal Victoria Calypsos. side 1: Johm B. Sail; side 2: A Conch Ain't Got No Bone (Art Records 2), from the album, Blind Blake (Art Records AL 4).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Bind Blake and his Royal Victoria Calypsos. side 1: Johm B. Sail; side 2: A Conch Ain't Got No Bone (Art Records 2), from the album, Blind Blake (Art Records AL 4).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1952
recording artist
Blind Blake and his Royal Victoria Calypsos
manufacturer
Art Records
ID Number
1996.0320.05027
maker number
2
AL 4
catalog number
1996.0320.05027
accession number
1996.0320
Bunny Berigan and his Orchestra. side 1: Jelly-Roll Blues; side 2: Black Bottom (Victor 20-1502), from the album, Bunny Berigan Memorial Album (Victor P-134).78 rpm. Side 1 was originally recorded in 1938 and released on Victor 26113.
Description
Bunny Berigan and his Orchestra. side 1: Jelly-Roll Blues; side 2: Black Bottom (Victor 20-1502), from the album, Bunny Berigan Memorial Album (Victor P-134).
78 rpm. Side 1 was originally recorded in 1938 and released on Victor 26113. Side 2 was originally recorded in 1937 and released on Victor 26138. The album was released in 1944.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1937
1938
date made
1937
release date
1944
recording artist
Bunny Berigan and his Orchestra
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1978.0670.674
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
20-1502
P-134
catalog number
1978.0670.674
Bud Freeman and his Famous Chicagoans. side 1: After Awhile; side 2: Shim-Me-Sha-Wabble (Columbia 35856), from the album, Comes Jazz (Columbia C-40).78 rpm.The cover art for this album was made by Alex Steinweiss.
Description

Bud Freeman and his Famous Chicagoans. side 1: After Awhile; side 2: Shim-Me-Sha-Wabble (Columbia 35856), from the album, Comes Jazz (Columbia C-40).
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
Bud Freeman and his Famous Chicagoans
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1978.0670.494
maker number
35856
C-40
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.494
Ralph Page. side 1: Odd Couple in the Center (Jingle Bells); side 2: Monadnock Muddle (Soldier's Joy) (Disc 5036), from the album, Square Dances - With Calls, Vol.
Description

Ralph Page. side 1: Odd Couple in the Center (Jingle Bells); side 2: Monadnock Muddle (Soldier's Joy) (Disc 5036), from the album, Square Dances - With Calls, Vol. 1 (Disc 630).
78 rpm.

The cover art for this album was by David Stone Martin (born David Livingstone Martin, 1913-1992). Martin was an American artist best known for his illustrations on jazz album covers for labels including Mercury, Asch, Clef, Disc, and Dial. Many of his commissions were from Martin’s longtime friend, American jazz record producer and concert promoter Norman Granz (1918-2001).

Location
Currently not on view
release date
1946
recording artist
Page, Ralph
manufacturer
Disc
ID Number
1996.0320.05200
maker number
5036
630
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05200
Teddy Wilson and his Orchestra featuring Billie Holiday. side 1: I Must Have That Man!; side 2: Foolin' Myself (Columbia 36207), 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: I Must Have That Man!; side 2: Foolin' Myself (Columbia 36207), 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 7859. Side 2 was originally recorded in 1937 and relased on Brunswick 7911. 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
release date
1947
recording artist
Holiday, Billie
Teddy Wilson and his Orchestra
manufacturer
Columbia
ID Number
1978.0670.500
maker number
C-61
36209
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.500
Louis Armstrong and his Orchestra. side 1: On the Sunny Side of the Street [part 1]; side 2: On the Sunny Side of the Street [part 2] (Vox 16060), from the album, Louis Armstrong - Paris, 1934 (Vox VSP 300).78 rpm.
Description

Louis Armstrong and his Orchestra. side 1: On the Sunny Side of the Street [part 1]; side 2: On the Sunny Side of the Street [part 2] (Vox 16060), from the album, Louis Armstrong - Paris, 1934 (Vox VSP 300).
78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded at Studio Polydor in Paris, France, in 1934. The album was released in 1947.

This album features artwork by American painter, printmaker, and teacher, Daniel (Dan) Shapiro (1920-1982). He created the artwork for several albums including recordings by Louis Armstrong, Alex Wilder, Charlie Christian, Marlene Dietrich, Edith Piaf, and Richard Dyer Bennett. Shapiro’s works were first exhibited at the Cooper Union Art School in 1940 and 1941. He had much success with his solo shows in the 1960s at the University of California at San Francisco, Cellini Gallery, San Francisco Museum of Art, and Rice University in Houston.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1934
release date
1947
recording artist
Louis Armstrong and his Orchestra
manufacturer
Vox
ID Number
1978.0670.684
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
16060
VSP 300
catalog number
1978.0670.684

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