Popular Entertainment

This Museum's popular entertainment collections hold some of the Smithsonian's most beloved artifacts. The ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz reside here, along with the Muppet character Kermit the Frog, and props from popular television series such as M*A*S*H and All in the Family. But as in many of the Museum's collections, the best-known objects are a small part of the story.

The collection also encompasses many other artifacts of 19th- and 20th-century commercial theater, film, radio, and TV—some 50,000 sound recordings dating back to 1903; posters, publicity stills, and programs from films and performances; puppets; numerous items from World's Fairs from 1851 to 1992; and audiovisual materials on Groucho Marx, to name only a few.

This music box disc was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, around 1901-1902. It is Regina Disc #1993 - "Hiawatha (A Summer Idyl)," by Neil Moret.
Description

This music box disc was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, around 1901-1902. It is Regina Disc #1993 - "Hiawatha (A Summer Idyl)," by Neil Moret. This disc is playable in a Regina Disc Music Box that can accommodate a 15-1/2” diameter disc.

This disc features the following patents:

U. S. Patent #417649, dated December 17, 1889 by Oskar Paul Lochmann for a music plate for mechanical instruments.

U. S. Patent #500374, dated June 27, 1893 by Gustav A. Brachhausen and Paul Riessner for a note-plate for music boxes.

Location
Currently not on view
manufacturing date
1901-1902
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.378567.12
catalog number
378567.12
accession number
144168
This sheet music for the song “By Studying My Lady’s Eyes” was written by Thomas Bailey Aldrice and composed by Julius S. Lyons. The song was originally published by Wm. A. Pond and Co.
Description
This sheet music for the song “By Studying My Lady’s Eyes” was written by Thomas Bailey Aldrice and composed by Julius S. Lyons. The song was originally published by Wm. A. Pond and Co. of New York, New York in 1889, and appeared as a supplement to the “New York Herald” on May 31, 1903. The sheet music features a pencil drawing of a woman casting a sultry gaze at the viewer.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1902
lyricist
Aldrich, Thomas Bailey
composer
Lyons, Julius J.
publisher
William A. Pond & Co.
ID Number
1982.0440.42
accession number
1982.0440
catalog number
1982.0440.42
This music box disc was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, around 1901-1902. It is Regina Disc #1881 - "The Wedding of the Reuben and the Maid," music by Maurice Levi and lyrcis by Harry Bache Smith.
Description

This music box disc was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, around 1901-1902. It is Regina Disc #1881 - "The Wedding of the Reuben and the Maid," music by Maurice Levi and lyrcis by Harry Bache Smith. This disc is playable in a Regina Disc Music Box that can accommodate a 15-1/2” diameter disc.

This disc features the following patents:

U. S. Patent #417649, dated December 17, 1889 by Oskar Paul Lochmann for a music plate for mechanical instruments.

U. S. Patent #500374, dated June 27, 1893 by Gustav A. Brachhausen and Paul Riessner for a note-plate for music boxes.

Location
Currently not on view
manufacturing date
1901-1902
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.378567.09
catalog number
378567.09
accession number
144168
This song book The Harry Von Tilzer Dance Folio Number 5, was published by the Harry Von Tilzer Music Publishing Company of New York, New York around 1900.
Description
This song book The Harry Von Tilzer Dance Folio Number 5, was published by the Harry Von Tilzer Music Publishing Company of New York, New York around 1900. The cover advertises the folio as “containing arrangements for the piano of the latest and most popular music of the day, arranged by Alfred J. Doyle.” The red and white cover features a small photo of Harry Von Tilzer at the bottom. Folios like this contained 40 piano compositions, usually without the lyrics, at a cheaper price than buying them individually.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
ca 1900
publisher
Harry Von Tilzer Music Publishing Co.
ID Number
1982.0005.15
accession number
1982.0005
catalog number
1982.0005.15
This sheet music is for the song “Karama” that was written and composed by Vivian Grey (pseudonym for Miss Mabel McKinley, a niece of President McKinley). The sheet music was published by Leo Feist Inc. of New York, New York in 1904.
Description (Brief)
This sheet music is for the song “Karama” that was written and composed by Vivian Grey (pseudonym for Miss Mabel McKinley, a niece of President McKinley). The sheet music was published by Leo Feist Inc. of New York, New York in 1904. The song is a march and two-step, and the cover calls it a Japo-Rhapsody. The cover features a profile portrait illustration of an Asian woman.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1904
composer
Grey, Vivian
publisher
Feist, Leo
ID Number
1983.0424.070
accession number
1983.0424
catalog number
1983.0424.070
This music roll was made by Aeolian Organ and Music Company, in New York, New York, around 1895-1900. It is Roll #702, playable in a Celestina or Mandolina model roller organ. This roll sold for 90 cents.
Description

This music roll was made by Aeolian Organ and Music Company, in New York, New York, around 1895-1900. It is Roll #702, playable in a Celestina or Mandolina model roller organ. This roll sold for 90 cents. The tune list for this roll is as follows:

Watch on the Rhine
Deutschland über alles
Das Zerbrochene Ringlein
Die Drei Reiter
Die Gute Kamerad
Der Tannenbaum

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1895-1900
ID Number
MI.73.02a.06
accession number
301352
catalog number
73.02a.06
This sheet music for the song, “Say Once Again That You Love Me” was written and composed by Jean Revo. The song was originally published by the Oliver Ditson Company of New York, New York in 1903, and appeared as a supplement to the “New York Herald” on February 15, 1903.
Description
This sheet music for the song, “Say Once Again That You Love Me” was written and composed by Jean Revo. The song was originally published by the Oliver Ditson Company of New York, New York in 1903, and appeared as a supplement to the “New York Herald” on February 15, 1903. The sheet music features a cover illustration of dancing couple in a kiss. Sheet music was so popular in the early 20th century that newspapers would insert them into their Sunday editions to boost sales.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1903
composer; lyricist
Revo, Jean
publisher
Oliver Ditson Company
ID Number
1982.0440.46
accession number
1982.0440
catalog number
1982.0440.46
This sheet music is for the song “Lady Bountiful.” The song’s lyrics were written by Robert Hobart Davis and the music was composed by Louis F. Gottschalk. This sheet music appeared as a supplement to the “New York American and Journal” on Sunday, April 13, 1902.
Description (Brief)
This sheet music is for the song “Lady Bountiful.” The song’s lyrics were written by Robert Hobart Davis and the music was composed by Louis F. Gottschalk. This sheet music appeared as a supplement to the “New York American and Journal” on Sunday, April 13, 1902. The cover was drawn by Gene Carr, creator of the “Lady Bountiful” comic strip, and shows the character of Lady Bountiful walking down the street in front of a collection of raggedy children. There cover also features an inset photograph of Mamie Gilroy, an actress who portrayed Lady Bountiful in a musical comedy of the same name.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1902
publisher
Robbins Music Corporation
ID Number
1983.0424.054
accession number
1983.0424
catalog number
1983.0424.054
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1904
composer
Levi, Maurice
depicted (sitter)
Friganza, Trixie
maker
Chas. K. Harris
ID Number
2018.3010.143
catalog number
2018.3010.143
nonaccession number
2018.3010
This sheet music for the song “He Found Her in the City” was written and composed by Gussie L. Davis and published by Howley, Haviland and Co. of New York, New York in 1902. The sheet music appeared as a supplement to the “New York Herald” on December 28, 1902.
Description
This sheet music for the song “He Found Her in the City” was written and composed by Gussie L. Davis and published by Howley, Haviland and Co. of New York, New York in 1902. The sheet music appeared as a supplement to the “New York Herald” on December 28, 1902. The cover has an illustration of a city skyline shown from the perspective of someone looking at it across an icy river, next to a bridge.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1902
composer; lyricist
Davis, Gussie L.
publisher
Howley, Haviland, and Company
ID Number
1982.0440.47
accession number
1982.0440
catalog number
1982.0440.47
This sheet music for the song "Rosenbaum" was written and composed by Fred Fischer and published by the Fred Fischer Music Publishing Company of New York, New York in 1908. The cover features an illustration of a soldier doll done by Gene Buck.
Description
This sheet music for the song "Rosenbaum" was written and composed by Fred Fischer and published by the Fred Fischer Music Publishing Company of New York, New York in 1908. The cover features an illustration of a soldier doll done by Gene Buck. The cover also has a photograph of Ben Welch on the lower right, a vaudevillian actor who would have performed this song.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1908
composer; lyricist
Fischer, Fred
publisher
Fred Fischer Music Pub. Co.
ID Number
1982.0439.32
accession number
1982.0439
catalog number
1982.0439.32
This music roll was made by Mechanical Orguinette Company, in New York, New York, around 1895-1900. It is Roll #4013, playable in a Celestina or Mandolina model roller organ. This roll sold for $1.00.
Description

This music roll was made by Mechanical Orguinette Company, in New York, New York, around 1895-1900. It is Roll #4013, playable in a Celestina or Mandolina model roller organ. This roll sold for $1.00. The tune list for this roll is as follows:

Yankee Doodle
When Johnny comes marching home
We won’t go home till morning
Upidee

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1895-1900
ID Number
MI.73.02a.16
accession number
301352
catalog number
73.02a.16
This sheet music is for the song “Pretty Little China Maid” that was written and composed by Maude Nugent. The sheet music was published by Shapiro, Bernstein & Von Tilzer of New York City in 1901.
Description (Brief)
This sheet music is for the song “Pretty Little China Maid” that was written and composed by Maude Nugent. The sheet music was published by Shapiro, Bernstein & Von Tilzer of New York City in 1901. The pink and red cover has illustrated grapes surrounding the titles of the various songs that were part of the comedic musical “Champagne Charlie.”There is a full length photo of Augustus Thomas, who performed the song, set into the cover illustration. The cover is signed by Starmer.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1901
publisher
Shapiro, Bernstein and Von Tilzer
ID Number
1983.0424.078
accession number
1983.0424
catalog number
1983.0424.078
This harmonica was made by M. Hohner in Germany, undetermined date. It is an Up To Date Surprise model in the key of G, with 10 single holes and 20 reeds. This harmonica has a brown stained wooden comb with metal cover plates attached to the top and bottom with screws.
Description

This harmonica was made by M. Hohner in Germany, undetermined date. It is an Up To Date Surprise model in the key of G, with 10 single holes and 20 reeds. This harmonica has a brown stained wooden comb with metal cover plates attached to the top and bottom with screws. Accessioned with original cardboard box. The harmonica is engraved:

UP TO DATE SURPRISE
REGISTERED PATENT APPLIED FOR

MADE IN

GERMANY

BY M.HOHNER G

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1907
maker
Hohner, M.
ID Number
1988.0783.404
accession number
1988.0783
catalog number
1988.0783.404
This sheet music for the English version of the song, “Why Dost Thou Not Love Me?” was created by A. W. Tams and the music was revised and arranged by Louis Raymond. The sheet music was first published by William A. Pond and Co. in 1900.
Description
This sheet music for the English version of the song, “Why Dost Thou Not Love Me?” was created by A. W. Tams and the music was revised and arranged by Louis Raymond. The sheet music was first published by William A. Pond and Co. in 1900. The music appeared as a supplement to New York Herald, on June 14, 1903. The cover features an illustration of a man who has dismounted from his horse and cast down his hat and riding crop. His arms are outstretched towards a spectral vision of his lady love in a tree.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1900
lyricist
Tams, A. W.
composer
Raymond, Louis
publisher
William A. Pond & Co.
ID Number
1982.0440.66
accession number
1982.0440
catalog number
1982.0440.66
This music roll was made by Aeolian Organ and Music Company, in New York, New York, around 1895-1900. It is Roll #4087, playable in a Celestina or Mandolina model roller organ. This roll sold for 75 cents.
Description

This music roll was made by Aeolian Organ and Music Company, in New York, New York, around 1895-1900. It is Roll #4087, playable in a Celestina or Mandolina model roller organ. This roll sold for 75 cents. The tune list for this roll is as follows:

Down went McGinty - Flynn

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1895-1900
ID Number
MI.73.02a.19
accession number
301352
catalog number
73.02a.19
This sheet music for the song “By the Watermelon Vine, Lindy Lou” was written and composed by Thomas S. Allen. The sheet music was published by Walter Jacobs in 1904.
Description

This sheet music for the song “By the Watermelon Vine, Lindy Lou” was written and composed by Thomas S. Allen. The sheet music was published by Walter Jacobs in 1904. The cover features an image of a black man and lady sitting on a couch-like watermelon slice in a watermelon patch. “Coon songs” such as this became a popular genre around 1890-1900 as the Great Migration resulted in a new class of urban blacks who became stereotyped out of fear.

The cover art for this sheet music was made by brothers William Starmer (1872-1957) and Frederick Starmer (1878-1962) Born and raised in England, the brothers moved with their family to New York, William in 1898 and Frederick in 1899. The Starmer Brothers flourished until 1929. William became a U.S. citizen in 1924, while Frederick returned to England in 1929.

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1904
composer
Allen, Thomas S.
user
Watkins, Lura Woodside
publisher
Jacobs, Walter
ID Number
1979.1154.17
accession number
1979.1154
catalog number
1979.1154.17
This sheet music for the song “I Can’t Live On Love Alone” was written by Vincent P. Bryan and composed by Charles Robinson. The song was published by Howley, Haviland and Co.
Description
This sheet music for the song “I Can’t Live On Love Alone” was written by Vincent P. Bryan and composed by Charles Robinson. The song was published by Howley, Haviland and Co. of New York, New York in 1903, and appeared as a supplement to the “New York Herald” on January 25, 1903. The sheet music features an illustration of an African American woman in maid’s uniform with a feather duster on the tope, and the drawing is signed by “Drake.”
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1903
lyricist
Bryan, Vincent P.
composer
Robinson, Charles
publisher
Howley, Haviland, and Company
ID Number
1982.0440.55
accession number
1982.0440
catalog number
1982.0440.55
This sheet music is for the song “That's the Tune They Play in Dixie Land.” The lyrics were written by Joseph Mittenthal and the music was composed by Joseph M. Daly. The sheet music was published by the Joseph M. Daly Company of Boston, Massachusetts in 1908.
Description (Brief)
This sheet music is for the song “That's the Tune They Play in Dixie Land.” The lyrics were written by Joseph Mittenthal and the music was composed by Joseph M. Daly. The sheet music was published by the Joseph M. Daly Company of Boston, Massachusetts in 1908. The cover features a blue-tinged illustration of a man at a pier looking at battleships sailing in the bay. There is an inset photograph of Ben F. Loring on the lower right of the cover, who would have featured and performed the song in his act.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1908
publisher
Joseph M. Daly Music Publishing Co.
ID Number
1983.0424.034
accession number
1983.0424
catalog number
1983.0424.034
This sheet music for the song “Cupid, You’re A Very Naughty Boy” was written by Raymond A. Brown and composed by Leo Friedman.
Description
This sheet music for the song “Cupid, You’re A Very Naughty Boy” was written by Raymond A. Brown and composed by Leo Friedman. The music was originally published by Sol Bloom of New York, New York in 1902, and the music appeared as a supplement to the “New York Herald” on August 31, 1902. The cover has an illustration of a little cupid perched atop the music on the upper left, with an impressionistic background of a forest on the left and upper side of the cover.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1902
lyricist
Brown, Raymond A.
composer
Friedman, Leo
publisher
Sol Bloom
ID Number
1982.0440.77
accession number
1982.0440
catalog number
1982.0440.77
These drumsticks were made bhy an unknown maker in the United States, 19th century. These are a pair of matched drum sticks, made of light and dark wood.Currently not on view
Description
These drumsticks were made bhy an unknown maker in the United States, 19th century. These are a pair of matched drum sticks, made of light and dark wood.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
ID Number
MI.017231
catalog number
017231
accession number
60827
This sheet music for the song "Mariette" was written and composed by the duo of Sterny and Courquin, and published by Joseph W. Stern and Company of New York, New York in 1901. Subtitled “Mariechen-marie,” this piece was a polka for the piano.
Description
This sheet music for the song "Mariette" was written and composed by the duo of Sterny and Courquin, and published by Joseph W. Stern and Company of New York, New York in 1901. Subtitled “Mariechen-marie,” this piece was a polka for the piano. The cover has a charcoal background, with a circular inset in the center that contains an illustration of a young lady leaning out her window.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1901
publisher
Stern and Company
ID Number
1982.0439.33
catalog number
1982.0439.33
accession number
1982.0439
This sheet music for the song “It Must Have Been Svengali in Disguise” was written by Vincent Bryan and composed by Harry von Tilzer. The music was published by the Harry Von Tilzer Music Publishing Co. of New York, New York in 1902.
Description
This sheet music for the song “It Must Have Been Svengali in Disguise” was written by Vincent Bryan and composed by Harry von Tilzer. The music was published by the Harry Von Tilzer Music Publishing Co. of New York, New York in 1902. The music was from the show “The Wild Rose,” and appeared as a supplement to the “New York American and Journal” on Sunday, November 9, 1902. The cover is divided in half with one side featuring a photograph of vaudevillian actor Eddie Foy being hugged by a woman, the other side is an illustration of a tall sinister man, intended to be Svengali.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1902
composer
Von Tilzer, Harry
lyricist
Bryan, Vincent P.
publisher
Harry Von Tilzer Music Publishing Co.
ID Number
1982.0440.24
accession number
1982.0440
catalog number
1982.0440.24
This sheet music for the song “‘Twas Not the Same in Days Gone By” was written by Andrew Sterling and composed by George Hamilton. Originally published by the American Music Co.
Description
This sheet music for the song “‘Twas Not the Same in Days Gone By” was written by Andrew Sterling and composed by George Hamilton. Originally published by the American Music Co. in 1902, this sheet music appeared as a supplement to the New York American and Journal on Sunday, February 23, 1902.The cover features a dark brown background with yellow narcissus flowers on the right, and an inset photograph of Miss Mae Taylor and a dog on the left.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1902
lyricist
Sterling, Andrew B.
composer
Hamilton, George
performer
Taylor, Mae
publisher
American Music Co.
ID Number
1982.0440.76
accession number
1982.0440
catalog number
1982.0440.76

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