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.

Susie's New Stove: The Little Chef's Cookbook was written by Annie North Bedford with illustrations by Corinne Malvern, and published by Simon & Schuster in New York, New York, in 1949.Raised in New Jersey, Corinne Malvern (1901-1956) was a child actress who, along with her siste
Description (Brief)

Susie's New Stove: The Little Chef's Cookbook was written by Annie North Bedford with illustrations by Corinne Malvern, and published by Simon & Schuster in New York, New York, in 1949.

Raised in New Jersey, Corinne Malvern (1901-1956) was a child actress who, along with her sister, performed in traveling plays, vaudeville and movies. After an accident in her teens, Malvern was forced to give up her acting career and later attended the Art Students League of New York. Proficient in watercolor, pastel, pencil and ink and paint, she launched a career as a commercial artist, and was known for her fashion illustrations and magazine covers. Shortly after, she teamed up with her sister, a children’s author, and began drawing children’s books, including seventeen for the Little Golden Book series, including Doctor Dan, Nurse Nancy, How Big?, Susie’s New Stove, and 5 Pennies to Spend.

The illustrations in Susie's New Stove reflect the traditional gender roles of the 1940s and 1950s and portrays the idyllic setting of home sweet home. The simple recipes included in the books gave little girls the chance to practice their culinary and homemaking skills. This is in stark contrast to the social upheaval that would emerge in the 1960s, challenging and altering perceptions of gender roles and civil rights.

Susie’ New Stove featured the “Little Chef” toy stove which had a working hot plate that could boil water. High-end models had a working hot plate and two functioning ovens that could be heated to 375 degrees. "Little Chef" is a trademark term used by Tacoma Metal Products, Tacoma Washington. maker of the stove.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1950
ID Number
2013.0113.01
accession number
2013.0113
catalog number
2013.0113.01
various artists. Historic Jazz Concert at Music Inn (Atlantic 1298).33-1/3 rpm.Music Inn, also called the Music Barn, was an inn, performance venue, and the summer program of jazz education for the Lenox School of Jazz, in Lenox Massachusetts.
Description (Brief)

various artists. Historic Jazz Concert at Music Inn (Atlantic 1298).
33-1/3 rpm.

Music Inn, also called the Music Barn, was an inn, performance venue, and the summer program of jazz education for the Lenox School of Jazz, in Lenox Massachusetts. From 1957-1960, the school featuring faculty including Dizzy Gillespie, Jimmy Giuffre, Percy Heath, and Connie Kayvenue. The performance venue and inn was in in operation from 1950–1979.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1956
manufacturer
Atlantic
ID Number
1978.0670.801
maker number
1298
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.801
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1953
referenced
Cole, Nat King
Ames Brothers
maker
Southern Music Publishing Co., Inc.
ID Number
2017.3021.280
nonaccession number
2017.3021
catalog number
2017.3021.280
Original artwork, of page 12, from the book Howdy Doody's Lucky Trip, written by Edward Kean with illustrations by Harry McNaught, and published by Simon & Schuster in New York, New York, in 1953.In addition to Howdy Doody's Lucky Trip, Harry McNaught illustrated several Little G
Description (Brief)

Original artwork, of page 12, from the book Howdy Doody's Lucky Trip, written by Edward Kean with illustrations by Harry McNaught, and 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
McNaught, Harry
ID Number
1992.0634.084.12
accession number
1992.0634
catalog number
1992.0634.084.12
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1952
depicted (sitter)
Andrews Sisters
ID Number
2017.3021.286
nonaccession number
2017.3021
catalog number
2017.3021.286
This sheet music for the song “Planet Patrol,” was written by Albert Blitz with arrangement by John W. Schaum. It was published by Belwin Inc. in New York, New York, in 1954.Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music for the song “Planet Patrol,” was written by Albert Blitz with arrangement by John W. Schaum. It was published by Belwin Inc. in New York, New York, in 1954.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1954
publisher
Belwin Inc.
ID Number
1983.0830.11
accession number
1983.0830
catalog number
1983.0830.11
Count Basie and his Orchestra. Basie Plays Hefti (Roulette R-52011).33-1/3 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Count Basie and his Orchestra. Basie Plays Hefti (Roulette R-52011).
33-1/3 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1958
recording artist
Count Basie and his Orchestra
manufacturer
Roulette
ID Number
1978.0670.752
maker number
R-52011
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.752
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1951
lyricist
Robin, Leo
composer
Styne, Jule
referenced
Hughes, Howard
depicted (sitter)
Martin, Tony
Leigh, Janet
referenced
Crosby, Bob
maker
Edwin H. Morris and Company
ID Number
2017.3021.301
nonaccession number
2017.3021
catalog number
2017.3021.301
Original artwork, of page 19, from the book Howdy Doody's Lucky Trip, written by Edward Kean with illustrations by Harry McNaught, and published by Simon & Schuster in New York, New York, in 1953.In addition to Howdy Doody's Lucky Trip, Harry McNaught illustrated several Little G
Description (Brief)

Original artwork, of page 19, from the book Howdy Doody's Lucky Trip, written by Edward Kean with illustrations by Harry McNaught, and 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
McNaught, Harry
ID Number
1992.0634.084.19
accession number
1992.0634
catalog number
1992.0634.084.19
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1954
composer; lyricist
Adler, Richard
depicted (sitter)
Day, Doris
maker
Frank Music Corporation
ID Number
2018.3010.139
nonaccession number
2018.3010
catalog number
2018.3010.139
This sheet music is for the song “On Top of Old Smoky,” with words and music arrangement by Pete Seeger. It was published by Folkways Music Publishers in New York, New York in 1951.
Description
This sheet music is for the song “On Top of Old Smoky,” with words and music arrangement by Pete Seeger. It was published by Folkways Music Publishers in New York, New York in 1951. The cover features an image of American Folk Music group The Weavers, who introduced and recorded this song.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1951
publisher
Folkways Music Publishers, Inc.
ID Number
1985.0392.14
catalog number
1985.0392.14
accession number
1985.0392
Jimmie Rodgers [James Frederick "Jimmie" Rodgers]. side 1: Ring-A-Ling-A-Lario; side 2: Wonderful You (Roulette R-4158)45 rpm. Accessioned with original printed sleeve.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Jimmie Rodgers [James Frederick "Jimmie" Rodgers]. side 1: Ring-A-Ling-A-Lario; side 2: Wonderful You (Roulette R-4158)
45 rpm. Accessioned with original printed sleeve.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1959
recording artist
Rodgers, Jimmie
manufacturer
Roulette
ID Number
1996.3034.06630
catalog number
1996.3034.06630
label number
R-4158
nonaccession number
1996.3034
Savannah Churchill. side 1: The Gypsy Was Wrong; side 2: Just Whisper (Decca 29262).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Savannah Churchill. side 1: The Gypsy Was Wrong; side 2: Just Whisper (Decca 29262).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1954
recording artist
Churchill, Savannah
composer
Crane, Jimmie
Jacobs, Al
Jaffe, Moe
Reichner, Bickley
manufacturer
Decca
ID Number
1996.0153.08722
catalog number
1996.0153.08722
label number
29262
accession number
1996.0153
Original artwork, of page 20, for the book Howdy Doody's Circus, written by Edward Kean with illustrations by Liz Dauber and Don Gormely, and published by Simon & Schuster in New York, New York, in 1950.During the 1940s and 1950s, Don Gormley created drawings for the popular Dell
Description (Brief)

Original artwork, of page 20, for the book Howdy Doody's Circus, written by Edward Kean with illustrations by Liz Dauber and Don Gormely, and published by Simon & Schuster in New York, New York, in 1950.

During the 1940s and 1950s, Don Gormley created drawings for the popular Dell comic book series, Dell's Four Colors, that included Disney characters like Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse and Porky Pig as well as the popular cartoon character Oswald the Rabbit from 1942-1962. Additionally, he illustrated characters created by Walter Lantz, including Mr. McGoo and Andy Panda.

Liz Dauber's art career included working in several mediums, including illustrations, painting and magazine cover art. In her early years, she created colorful cover art for the popular New York women’s fashion magazine Mademoiselle. Married to Gregorio Prestopino, a painter of the Ashcan school, she and her husband were part of the planned community called Jersey Homesteads. Established by FDR during the Depression, this cooperative effort was meant to foster industrial, agricultural and artistic endeavors that served and enriched the community. Her illustrations for Howdy Doody's Circus was her sole effort for Little Golden Books, but she went on to illustrate several children and young adult books that featured topics about history, folklore and biographies. Her emphasis on juvenile literature also included books for the Scholastic Young Reader series and the Ginnie books.

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1950
maker
Dauber, Liz
Gormley, Don
ID Number
1992.0634.076.20
accession number
1992.0634
catalog number
1992.0634.076.20
Charlie and Ray. side 1: My Lovin' Baby; side 2: Take a Look At Me (Herald H-447).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Charlie and Ray. side 1: My Lovin' Baby; side 2: Take a Look At Me (Herald H-447).78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1955
recording artist
Charlie and Ray
composer
Jones, Charles
manufacturer
Herald
ID Number
1996.0153.08702
catalog number
1996.0153.08702
label number
H-447
accession number
1996.0153
This music box disc was made by Lloyd G. Kelley, successor to the Regina Music Box Company, in Hanover, Massachusetts, 1950s. It is Regina Disc #1444 – Zampa - Overture, by Ferdinand Hérold,.
Description

This music box disc was made by Lloyd G. Kelley, successor to the Regina Music Box Company, in Hanover, Massachusetts, 1950s. It is Regina Disc #1444 – Zampa - Overture, by Ferdinand Hérold,. 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
date made
1950s
ID Number
MI.73.01.18.18
catalog number
73.01.18.18
accession number
301414
maker number
1444
patent number
500374
417649
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1958
referenced
Jerry Murad's Harmonicats
Grant, Earl
ID Number
2018.3010.154
nonaccession number
2018.3010
catalog number
2018.3010.154
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1953
ID Number
2017.3021.298
nonaccession number
2017.3021
catalog number
2017.3021.298
This sheet music is for the song “Poor Little Fool,” written by Shari Sheeley. It was published by Eric Music, Inc. in New York, New York in 1958. The cover features an image of American musician and singer-songwriter Ricky Nelson (1940-1985), who had a U. S.
Description
This sheet music is for the song “Poor Little Fool,” written by Shari Sheeley. It was published by Eric Music, Inc. in New York, New York in 1958. The cover features an image of American musician and singer-songwriter Ricky Nelson (1940-1985), who had a U. S. chart-topping hit with this song on Imperial Records.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1958
depicted (sitter)
Nelson, Ricky
publisher
Eric Music, Inc.
ID Number
1984.0023.11
accession number
1984.0023
catalog number
1984.0023.11
Original artwork, of page 22, from the book Howdy Doody's Lucky Trip, written by Edward Kean with illustrations by Harry McNaught, and published by Simon & Schuster in New York, New York, in 1953.In addition to Howdy Doody's Lucky Trip, Harry McNaught illustrated several Little G
Description (Brief)

Original artwork, of page 22, from the book Howdy Doody's Lucky Trip, written by Edward Kean with illustrations by Harry McNaught, and 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
McNaught, Harry
ID Number
1992.0634.084.22
accession number
1992.0634
catalog number
1992.0634.084.22
Johnny Otis Orchestra. side 1: Turkey Hop [part 1]; side 2: Turkey Hop [part 2] (Savoy 732).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Johnny Otis Orchestra. side 1: Turkey Hop [part 1]; side 2: Turkey Hop [part 2] (Savoy 732).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1950
recording artist
Johnny Otis Orchestra
manufacturer
Savoy
ID Number
1991.0305.250
maker number
732
catalog number
1991.0305.250
accession number
1991.0305
Original artwork used for page 21 of the book, Doctor Squash the Doll Doctor, written by Margaret Wise Brown with illustrations by J.P.
Description (Brief)

Original artwork used for page 21 of the book, Doctor Squash the Doll Doctor, written by Margaret Wise Brown with illustrations by J.P. Miller and published by Simon & Schuster in New York, New York, in 1952.

John Parr Miller (1913-2004) was a native New Yorker who initially worked in the model department of Disney Studios from 1934-1942. He created characters for some of the earliest Disney productions, including Pinocchio, Fantasia and Dumbo. His interests expanded to include children’s illustrations, and his first assignment with Little Golden Books was the artwork for the Little Red Hen, one of the original fifteen books published in 1942. Working in a simple somewhat abstract style, Miller utilized bold, sharp lines and bright colors to make his images appear more graphic than painterly.

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1952
maker
Miller, J.P.
ID Number
1992.0634.082.22
accession number
1992.0634
catalog number
1992.0634.082.22
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1952
maker
Francis, Day & Hunter Ltd.
ID Number
2017.3021.294
nonaccession number
2017.3021
catalog number
2017.3021.294
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1950s
depicted (sitter)
Sinatra, Frank
ID Number
1982.0377.06
accession number
1982.0377
catalog number
1982.0377.06

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