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.

Original artwork used for page 25 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 25 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
1992.0634.082.26
accession number
1992.0634
catalog number
1992.0634.082.26
This sheet music is for the song “Symphony” that was written by Andre Tabet and Roger Bernstein, with an American version by Jack Lawrence. Alex Alstone composed the music to the song. Chappell & Company, Inc. of New York City published this sheet music in 1955.
Description (Brief)
This sheet music is for the song “Symphony” that was written by Andre Tabet and Roger Bernstein, with an American version by Jack Lawrence. Alex Alstone composed the music to the song. Chappell & Company, Inc. of New York City published this sheet music in 1955. The pale blue and white cover has an inset photograph of Johnny Desmond, a popular singer and recording artists during the 1940s and 1950s.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1955
publisher
Chappell and Co., Inc.
ID Number
1983.0424.163
accession number
1983.0424
catalog number
1983.0424.163
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1950s
depicted (sitter)
Gazzara, Ben
ID Number
1982.0377.15
accession number
1982.0377
catalog number
1982.0377.15
Original artwork, of page 2, 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 Go
Description (Brief)

Original artwork, of page 2, 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
1992.0634.084.02
accession number
1992.0634
catalog number
1992.0634.084.02
Lawson-Haggart Jazz Band. Blues on the River (Decca DL 5439).33-1/3 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Lawson-Haggart Jazz Band. Blues on the River (Decca DL 5439).
33-1/3 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1952
recording artist
Lawson-Haggart Jazz Band
manufacturer
Decca
ID Number
1978.0670.698
accession number
1978.0670
catalog number
1978.0670.698
maker number
DL 5439
Original artwork, of page 8, 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 Go
Description (Brief)

Original artwork, of page 8, 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
1992.0634.084.08
accession number
1992.0634
catalog number
1992.0634.084.08
Original artwork, of page 23, for the book Here Comes the Parade, written by Kathryn Jackson with illustrations by Richard Scarry, and published by Simon & Schuster in New York, New York, in 1951.Better known for his animal characters and the Busytown series, Richard Scarry (1919
Description (Brief)

Original artwork, of page 23, for the book Here Comes the Parade, written by Kathryn Jackson with illustrations by Richard Scarry, and published by Simon & Schuster in New York, New York, in 1951.

Better known for his animal characters and the Busytown series, Richard Scarry (1919-1994) was one of the most prolific authors and illustrators of 20th century children’s books. He attended the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston until he was drafted into the army during World War II. After the war, Scarry worked as a freelance artist and contracted with Simon & Schuster to work on the Little Golden Book series. His first illustrations appeared in Two Little Miners, a 1949 story written by Margaret Wise Brown. Scarry’s most popular Little Golden Book was Best Word Book Ever, published in 1963. He published more than 500 children’s books, most depicting animals who took on human characteristics.

In Here Comes the Parade, depicting the beloved Macy's Thanksgiving parade in downtown New York City, Scarry's illustrations are sketched in pencil, colored with gouache and outlined with pen and ink. This annual celebration ushers in the busy Christmas holiday season and Scarry includes a vast array of participants, including a policeman, vendors, performers, bands, spectators and of course the giant balloons. The balloon figures include well-known book characters from The Wizard of Oz, as well as more recent popular TV figures such as Howdy Doody and Mickey Mouse and his friends.

The book’s subject represents one of the basic concepts supported by the progressive education movement, which encouraged literature celebrating the “here and now”—everyday life experiences—and aimed to tell stories about real events.

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1951
maker
Scarry, Richard
ID Number
1992.0634.081.24
accession number
1992.0634
catalog number
1992.0634.081.24
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1955
recording artist
Bernstein, Elmer
manufacturer
Decca
ID Number
1996.3034.00563
nonaccession number
1996.3034
catalog number
1996.3034.00563
label number
ED 2337
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1950
depicted (sitter)
Damone, Vic
lyricist; composer
Benjamin, Bennie
ID Number
2017.3021.277
nonaccession number
2017.3021
catalog number
2017.3021.277
Lu Watters and his Yerba Buena Jazz Band. side 1: Emporer Norton's Hunch; side 2: Skid Da De Dat (Mercury 11050), 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: Emporer Norton's Hunch; side 2: Skid Da De Dat (Mercury 11050), 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
1978.0670.638
accession number
1978.0670
maker number
11050
C-103
catalog number
1978.0670.638
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1954
maker
Music Publishing Company of Africa
Gallo (Africa) Limited
ID Number
2018.3010.129
nonaccession number
2018.3010
catalog number
2018.3010.129
Original artwork, of page 24, for the book Here Comes the Parade, written by Kathryn Jackson with illustrations by Richard Scarry, and published by Simon & Schuster in New York, New York, in 1951.Better known for his animal characters and the Busytown series, Richard Scarry (1919
Description (Brief)

Original artwork, of page 24, for the book Here Comes the Parade, written by Kathryn Jackson with illustrations by Richard Scarry, and published by Simon & Schuster in New York, New York, in 1951.

Better known for his animal characters and the Busytown series, Richard Scarry (1919-1994) was one of the most prolific authors and illustrators of 20th century children’s books. He attended the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston until he was drafted into the army during World War II. After the war, Scarry worked as a freelance artist and contracted with Simon & Schuster to work on the Little Golden Book series. His first illustrations appeared in Two Little Miners, a 1949 story written by Margaret Wise Brown. Scarry’s most popular Little Golden Book was Best Word Book Ever, published in 1963. He published more than 500 children’s books, most depicting animals who took on human characteristics.

In Here Comes the Parade, depicting the beloved Macy's Thanksgiving parade in downtown New York City, Scarry's illustrations are sketched in pencil, colored with gouache and outlined with pen and ink. This annual celebration ushers in the busy Christmas holiday season and Scarry includes a vast array of participants, including a policeman, vendors, performers, bands, spectators and of course the giant balloons. The balloon figures include well-known book characters from The Wizard of Oz, as well as more recent popular TV figures such as Howdy Doody and Mickey Mouse and his friends.

The book’s subject represents one of the basic concepts supported by the progressive education movement, which encouraged literature celebrating the “here and now”—everyday life experiences—and aimed to tell stories about real events.

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1951
maker
Scarry, Richard
ID Number
1992.0634.081.23
accession number
1992.0634
catalog number
1992.0634.081.23
The Classmates. side 1: A Kiss Is Not a Kiss; side 2: What Am I Gonna Do (King 1487).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
The Classmates. side 1: A Kiss Is Not a Kiss; side 2: What Am I Gonna Do (King 1487).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1955
composer
Barlow, Harold
recording artist
Classmates
composer
Ross, Beverly
Dixon, Julius
manufacturer
King
ID Number
1996.0153.08732
catalog number
1996.0153.08732
label number
1487
accession number
1996.0153
WANN radio DJ “Jungle Jim” used this name tag during the 1950s and 1960s in Annapolis, Maryland.
Description

WANN radio DJ “Jungle Jim” used this name tag during the 1950s and 1960s in Annapolis, Maryland. The purple fabric name tag in a pin-back rectangular brass frame is printed “JUNGLE JIM.” A purple ribbon hanging from the brass frame is printed “WANN/DIAL/1190” in gold lettering.

WANN (1190 AM) was a radio station based out of Annapolis, Maryland that primarily served the area's growing African American community. Morris Blum founded it in 1946, and it broadcast to the entire mid-Atlantic region. The station was home to disc jockey Charles "Hoppy" Adams starting in the early 1950s. Adams hosted weekly events at a local African American only beach, Carr's Beach, which were popular with the area's youth population.

WANN continued to program gospel, rhythm and blues, and public affairs features until 1992 when the station changed to a mainstream country format with the catchphrase “Bay Country 1190.” Around 1998, the station changed ownership and became WBIS, broadcasting a News Talk Information format.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1950s
ID Number
2002.0319.11
accession number
2002.0319
catalog number
2002.0319.11
Original artwork, of page 8, 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 8, 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
1992.0634.076.08
accession number
1992.0634
catalog number
1992.0634.076.08
This pressbook is for the 1958 Warner Bros. musical film Damn Yankees, directed by George Abbott and Stanley Donen and starred Gwen Verdon, Tab Hunter, and Ray Walston.
Description
This pressbook is for the 1958 Warner Bros. musical film Damn Yankees, directed by George Abbott and Stanley Donen and starred Gwen Verdon, Tab Hunter, and Ray Walston. This pressbook was distributed to movie theater owners for the purchase of posters and other material as marketing tools for promotion of this movie.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1958
performing artist; depicted
Verdon, Gwen
publisher
Warner Brothers
ID Number
1986.0370.10
accession number
1986.0370
catalog number
1986.0370.10
This harmonica was made by an undetermined maker in Occupied Japan, around 1945-1951. It is a Pee Wee model, with 4 single holes and 8 reeds.
Description

This harmonica was made by an undetermined maker in Occupied Japan, around 1945-1951. It is a Pee Wee model, with 4 single holes and 8 reeds. This harmonica has a white painted wooden comb with metal cover plates attached to the top and bottom with screws and nuts, and a metal loop. The harmonica is engraved:

Pee Wee
MADE IN OCCUPIED JAPAN

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1945-1951
ID Number
1988.0783.010
accession number
1988.0783
catalog number
1988.0783.010
Original artwork for the book, Nurse Nancy, written by Kathryn Jackson with illustrations by Corinne Malvern, and published by Simon & Schuster in New York, New York, in 1952.Raised in New Jersey, Corinne Malvern (1901-1956) was a child actress who, along with her sister, perform
Description (Brief)

Original artwork for the book, Nurse Nancy, written by Kathryn Jackson with illustrations by Corinne Malvern, and published by Simon & Schuster in New York, New York, in 1952.

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.

Some of the most popular Little Golden Books were early experiments in product placement. In addition to teaching basic first aid tips, Dr. Dan and Nurse Nancy books included junior size Johnson and Johnson Band Aids.

Doctor Dan the Bandage Man and Nurse Nancy represent examples of innovative display and marketing techniques. Simon & Schuster paired with Johnson & Johnson to promote the latter’s brand-name “Band-Aids” and targeted one of its likeliest consumers, children. Boys and girls would sport Band-Aids in colorful shapes of stars, hearts, circles and flowers, from samples included in the pages of the book, all the while learning the basics of first aid.

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1952
maker
Malvern, Corinne
ID Number
1992.0634.087.03
accession number
1992.0634
catalog number
1992.0634.087.03
Original artwork for the book Lucky Mrs. Ticklefeather, written by Dorothy Kunhardt with illustrations by J.P.
Description (Brief)

Original artwork for the book Lucky Mrs. Ticklefeather, written by Dorothy Kunhardt with illustrations by J.P. Miller, and published by Simon and Schuster in New York, New York, in 1951.

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
1951
maker
Miller, J.P.
ID Number
1992.0634.079.02
accession number
1992.0634
catalog number
1992.0634.079.02
Rex Allen and the Arizona Wranglers. side 1: Honolulu Boogie; side 2: Too-Lee-Rollum (Mercury 6286).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Rex Allen and the Arizona Wranglers. side 1: Honolulu Boogie; side 2: Too-Lee-Rollum (Mercury 6286).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1950
recording artist
Allen, Rex
Arizona Wranglers
manufacturer
Mercury
ID Number
1996.0320.10462
collector/donor number
15741
maker number
6286
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.10462
Five Pennies to Spend, by Miriam Young with illustrations by Corinne Malvern and published by Simon & Schuster in New York, New York, in 1955.Raised in New Jersey, Corinne Malvern (1901-1956) was a child actress who, along with her sister, performed in traveling plays, vaudeville
Description (Brief)

Five Pennies to Spend, by Miriam Young with illustrations by Corinne Malvern and published by Simon & Schuster in New York, New York, in 1955.

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, paint, pencil and ink, 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. She illustrated seventeen Little Golden Books, including Doctor Dan, Nurse Nancy, How Big?, Susie’s New Stove, and 5 Pennies to Spend.

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1955
author
Young, Miriam
publisher
Simon and Schuster
illustrator
Malvern, Corinne
maker
Simon and Schuster
ID Number
1990.0449.09
accession number
1990.0449
catalog number
1990.0449.09
This harmonica was made by Magnus Harmonica Corporation in Newark, New Jersey, in 1953. It is a Duo-Tone model double harmonica in the keys of C (left side) and B-flat (right side) with 10 single holes. The harmonica has a plastic comb and plastic cover plates.
Description

This harmonica was made by Magnus Harmonica Corporation in Newark, New Jersey, in 1953. It is a Duo-Tone model double harmonica in the keys of C (left side) and B-flat (right side) with 10 single holes. The harmonica has a plastic comb and plastic cover plates. Accessioned with an original cardboard box and instruction book. The harmonica is cast:

TRADE
MAGNUS
MARK
DUO-TONE

The following patents are listed on this harmonica:

U.S. Patent #2339790, dated January 25, 1944 by Finn H. Magnus, for a harmonica.

U.S. Patent #2340333, dated February 1, 1944 by Finn H. Magnus, for a harmonica.

U.S. Patent #2348830, dated May 16, 1944 by Finn H. Magnus, for a harmonica.

U.S. Patent #2473210, dated June 14, 1949 by Finn H. Magnus, assignor, by mesne assignments, to Magnus Harmonica Corporation, for a harmonica and wind cell block.

U.S. #2384758, dated September 11, 1945 by Finn H. Magnus, assignor to International Plastic Harmonica Corporation, for a chromatic harmonica.

U.S. #2407312, dated September 10, 1946 by Finn H. Magnus, assignor to International Plastic Harmonica Corporation, for a plastic harmonica.

U.S. #2416451, dated February 25, 1947 by Finn H. Magnus, assignor to International Plastic Harmonica Corporation, for a method and mold for making integral reed plates and reeds.

U.S. # 2467761, date April 19, 1949 by Finn H. Magnus, assignor, by mesne assignments, to Reconstruction Finance Corporation, for a plastic chromatic harmonica.

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1953
maker
Magnus Harmonica Corporation
ID Number
2005.0268.24
accession number
2005.0268
catalog number
2005.0268.24
patent number
2339790
2340333
2348830
2373129
2384758
2407312
2416451
2467761
2473210
George Beverly Shea. side 1: O Little Town of Bethlehem; side 2: Thou Did'st Leave Thy Throne (RCA Victor 20-5409), from the album, Christmas Hymns (RCA Victor P 3149).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
George Beverly Shea. side 1: O Little Town of Bethlehem; side 2: Thou Did'st Leave Thy Throne (RCA Victor 20-5409), from the album, Christmas Hymns (RCA Victor P 3149).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1953
recording artist
Shea, George Beverly
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0320.05259
maker number
20-5409
P 3149
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05259
This sheet music is for the song “‘Till There Was You,” by Meredith Willson. It was published by Frank Music Corporation in New York, New York in 1957."Till There Was You" was featured in the musical The Music Man, with book, music and lyrics by Meredith Willson.
Description

This sheet music is for the song “‘Till There Was You,” by Meredith Willson. It was published by Frank Music Corporation in New York, New York in 1957.

"Till There Was You" was featured in the musical The Music Man, with book, music and lyrics by Meredith Willson. The Music Man opened on Broadway on December 19. 1957 and starred Robert Preston, Barbara Cook, Eddie Hodges, and Pert Kelton.

Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1950
publisher
Frank Music Corporation
ID Number
1986.0021.43
accession number
1986.0021
catalog number
1986.0021.43

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