Sports & Leisure

Tennis Racket

The nation's passion for sports is obvious every day—at NASCAR races, kiddie soccer matches, and countless other contests. From a handball used by Abraham Lincoln to Chris Evert's tennis racket to a baseball signed by Jackie Robinson, the roughly 6.000 objects in the Museum's sports collections bear witness to the vital place of sports in the nation's history. Paper sports objects in the collections, such as souvenir programs and baseball cards, number in the hundreds of thousands.

Leisure collections encompass a different range of objects, including camping vehicles and gear, video games, playing cards, sportswear, exercise equipment, and Currier and Ives prints of fishing, hunting, and horseracing. Some 4,000 toys dating from the colonial period to the present are a special strength of the collections.

Anchors Aweigh; All Hands

United States Navy Band. side 1: Anchors Aweigh; side 2: All Hands (Victor 21296).78 rpm. This record is not part of the original Victor P 32 set. The correct record is Victor 26672.Currently not on view
Description
United States Navy Band. side 1: Anchors Aweigh; side 2: All Hands (Victor 21296).
78 rpm. This record is not part of the original Victor P 32 set. The correct record is Victor 26672.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1928
release date
1940
recording artist
United States Navy Band
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1988.0384.19
accession number
1988.0384
maker number
21296
catalog number
1988.0384.19
maker number
P 32

Kodak Petite Camera

Since Kodak introduced the Brownie in 1900, a variety of easy-to-use cameras have been marketed, especially to women.
Description
Since Kodak introduced the Brownie in 1900, a variety of easy-to-use cameras have been marketed, especially to women. The Kodak Petite from 1935, part of the Kodak Coquette set, came with a matching compact and lipstick case in a variety of color choices so that one might use it as an accessory to fashionable outfits.
Date made
1935
maker
Eastman Kodak Company
ID Number
1995.0046.01
catalog number
1995.0046.01
accession number
1995.0046

Billiard Balls

Three Bakelite billiard balls, in their original wooden box, made by the Hyatt-Burroughs Billiard Ball Co. of Newark, N.J. The label on the box states that "Bakelite Billiard balls are of the same resilience as the best ivory balls.
Description
Three Bakelite billiard balls, in their original wooden box, made by the Hyatt-Burroughs Billiard Ball Co. of Newark, N.J. The label on the box states that "Bakelite Billiard balls are of the same resilience as the best ivory balls. 2-3/8 inch balls weigh exactly seven ounces, are of exact diameter, are perfectly and permanently round and balanced, unaffected by climactic conditions, and are practically indestructible."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1907
after 1910
invented hyatt billiard ball
Hyatt, John Wesley
patentee of bakelite
Baekeland, L. H.
maker
Hyatt-Burroughs Billiard Ball Company
ID Number
1981.0976.01
catalog number
1981.0976.01
accession number
1981.0976

Iditarod Dog Sled used by Libby Riddles

Wooden dog sled made by the North Star Sled Company and used by Libby Riddles when she became the first woman musher to win the Iditarod Sled Dog Race in 1985. Libby Riddles was born in the “lower 48” but moved to Alaska when she was 16.
Description (Brief)
Wooden dog sled made by the North Star Sled Company and used by Libby Riddles when she became the first woman musher to win the Iditarod Sled Dog Race in 1985. Libby Riddles was born in the “lower 48” but moved to Alaska when she was 16. Her love of the outdoors and dogs led her to raise and train sled dogs and eventually fueled her passion for sled dog racing. Her first Iditarod run was in 1980 but the male dominated sport left her an outsider, without sponsors. Dog sled racing competitors rely heavily on their sponsor’s money to fund their training and to maintain their sled dog team and with none to provide that stability Riddles was left to her own devices. In 1985 she entered the Iditarod once more and though she had a rough start, 15 days into the race, she was able to pick up a lead as she rode through a blizzard in -50 degree temperatures. Riddles was the first to cross the finish line after 18 days, 20 minutes and 17 seconds. Her win produced a new generation of female mushers and as of 2015, one third of the race competitors were women.
The Iditarod Sled Dog Race is an extreme sports challenge that tests the skill and endurance of competitors while celebrating Alaska’s sled dog culture and history. Teams of 12 to 16 dogs, primarily Alaskan Huskies, and their musher experience harsh terrain and weather conditions during the 1,150 mile run from Anchorage to Nome. In its modern iteration as an extreme sport, the Iditarod takes an intense physical toll not only on the human competitors but also on the sled dogs. The race follows a large network of Native trade and travel routes which travelers used when gold was discovered in the isolated town of Iditarod. This discovery led to a “rush” of miners and settlers from across the country, transforming the trail into the region’s main mail and supply route. The area’s harsh winter conditions made sled dog teams the main source of transportation along the Iditarod Trail and it is this rich history which the Iditarod race celebrates today. In 1978 Congress designated the 2300 mile Iditarod Trail as a National Historic Trail recognizing its importance in the shaping of America. Through its beginnings as a regional story, the Iditarod provides us the opportunity to explore the American Experience through the origins of the Iditarod National Historic Trail and the transformation of the Alaskan sled dog culture into an international sport. The Iditarod is now the largest and most prominent sled dog race in the world, attracting international competitors and world-wide media attention.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1985
used
Riddles, Libby
maker
North Star Dog Sled Company
ID Number
2008.0143.01
accession number
2008.0143
catalog number
2008.0143.01

Duncan El Aguila Yo-Yo

This plastic yo-yo was made by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1950s. It is pink with clear edges. There is a decal on each side of an eagle in flight and the words “Genuine Duncan Yo-Yo, El Aguila, Professional Para Campeonato.”Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This plastic yo-yo was made by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1950s. It is pink with clear edges. There is a decal on each side of an eagle in flight and the words “Genuine Duncan Yo-Yo, El Aguila, Professional Para Campeonato.”
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1950s
maker
Duncan
ID Number
2002.0246.36
accession number
2002.0246
catalog number
2002.0246.36

Duncan Yo-Yo Award

This blue wooden yo-yo was made by the Duncan Toys Company in 1952. It was given as an award to 1952 yo-yo champion, David Jarol.
Description (Brief)
This blue wooden yo-yo was made by the Duncan Toys Company in 1952. It was given as an award to 1952 yo-yo champion, David Jarol.
Date made
1952
maker
Duncan
ID Number
2002.0246.66
accession number
2002.0246
catalog number
2002.0246.66

Duncan Bowling Ball Yo-Yo

This plastic yo-yo was made by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1960s. Resembling a black bowling ball, it was made as a promotion for Amflite’s bowling line. It was one of the last lines Duncan produced before it was bought by Flambeau Products Corp. in 1968.
Description (Brief)
This plastic yo-yo was made by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1960s. Resembling a black bowling ball, it was made as a promotion for Amflite’s bowling line. It was one of the last lines Duncan produced before it was bought by Flambeau Products Corp. in 1968. The success of the bowling ball model prompted Duncan to create an entire "Sportsline" series of yo-yos imitating balls from various sports.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1960s
maker
Duncan
ID Number
2002.0246.48
accession number
2002.0246
catalog number
2002.0246.48

Lawn Dart Game

Lawn darts (also known as jarts) were a popular backyard lawn game during the 1980s. This lawn dart set sold by DP Superdarts is composed of three yellow darts and three red darts, with two plastic circles as targets.Currently not on view
Description
Lawn darts (also known as jarts) were a popular backyard lawn game during the 1980s. This lawn dart set sold by DP Superdarts is composed of three yellow darts and three red darts, with two plastic circles as targets.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2014.3006.01.1
nonaccession number
2014.3006
catalog number
2014.3006.01.1

Duncan Beginner Yo-Yo

This wooden yo-yo was made by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1950s. It is made of wood and has one black side and one red side. This is a "Beginners Yo-Yo," which were less expensive than the company's tournament models.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This wooden yo-yo was made by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1950s. It is made of wood and has one black side and one red side. This is a "Beginners Yo-Yo," which were less expensive than the company's tournament models.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1950s
maker
Duncan
ID Number
2002.0246.11
accession number
2002.0246
catalog number
2002.0246.11

Tulane / Louisiana State; Duke / Washington and Lee

All-American Glee Club. side 1: Roll On, Tulane (track 1) Fight for L.S.U./Alma Mater (track 2); side 2: Blue and White/Dear Old Duke (track 1) Washington and Lee Swing/College Friendships (track 2) (Victor 26683), from the album, College Songs, Vol.
Description
All-American Glee Club. side 1: Roll On, Tulane (track 1) Fight for L.S.U./Alma Mater (track 2); side 2: Blue and White/Dear Old Duke (track 1) Washington and Lee Swing/College Friendships (track 2) (Victor 26683), from the album, College Songs, Vol. 3 - Southern (Victor P 34).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1940
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1988.0384.24
accession number
1988.0384
maker number
26683
catalog number
1988.0384.24

Duncan Disney Wonderful World of Color Yo-Yo

This plastic yo-yo was made by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1960s. It has a clear plastic frame embedded with multi-colored plastic shards. The yo-yo was made to promote the Walt Disney Company's "Wonderful World Of Color" television show, which began in 1954.
Description (Brief)
This plastic yo-yo was made by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1960s. It has a clear plastic frame embedded with multi-colored plastic shards. The yo-yo was made to promote the Walt Disney Company's "Wonderful World Of Color" television show, which began in 1954. One side features a golden hot -stamped globe and the words “Disney’s Wonderful World of Color.” The other side reads “Duncan Yo-Yo Return Top.”
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1960s
maker
Duncan
ID Number
2002.0246.43
accession number
2002.0246
catalog number
2002.0246.43

Oriental Trading Company American Flag Yo-Yo

This steel yo-yo was made by the Oriental Trading Company in the 1990s. This yo-yo has flat sides and a red, white, and blue American flag design on both halves.
Description (Brief)
This steel yo-yo was made by the Oriental Trading Company in the 1990s. This yo-yo has flat sides and a red, white, and blue American flag design on both halves. The Oriental Trading Company, begun as a gift shop in Omaha, is a large wholesale company that sells arts and crafts, toys and novelties.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1990s
maker
Oriental Trading Company
ID Number
2002.0246.08
accession number
2002.0246
catalog number
2002.0246.08

Gorham Silver Yo-Yo

This metal yo-yo was made by the Gorham Manufacturing Company in the 1970s. It has flat sides and a sterling silver shell. The yo-yo features an ornate repousse leaf pattern and is engraved at the center.
Description (Brief)
This metal yo-yo was made by the Gorham Manufacturing Company in the 1970s. It has flat sides and a sterling silver shell. The yo-yo features an ornate repousse leaf pattern and is engraved at the center. The Gorham Manufacturing Company was originally founded in Rhode Island in 1831 as a sterling silver maker.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1970s
maker
Gorham
ID Number
2002.0246.07
accession number
2002.0246
catalog number
2002.0246.07

Duncan Yo-Yo Winner Ribbon

This red cloth award ribbon was given by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1950s to yo-yo tournament champions. It features a drawing in black of Duncan mascot Mr.
Description (Brief)
This red cloth award ribbon was given by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1950s to yo-yo tournament champions. It features a drawing in black of Duncan mascot Mr. Yo-Yo performing the trick “Rocking the Cradle.” It reads “Duncan Yo-Yo Champ.” The ribbon is attached to a blue and white round pin reading “Duncan Yo-Yo Tourney Expert.”
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1950s
maker
Duncan
ID Number
2002.0246.63
accession number
2002.0246
catalog number
2002.0246.63

Ka-Yo Musical Yo-Yo

This steel yo-yo was made by the Cayo Manufacturing Company of Benton Harbor Michigan in the early 1930s. There is a "Captain's Wheel" lithograph pattern design printed on one side in gray, white and black. Julius N.
Description (Brief)
This steel yo-yo was made by the Cayo Manufacturing Company of Benton Harbor Michigan in the early 1930s. There is a "Captain's Wheel" lithograph pattern design printed on one side in gray, white and black. Julius N. Cayo founded the Cayo Manufacturing Company as a metal stamping business and began making yo-yos in the early 1930s. It was called a Musical Ka-Yo, so not to infringe upon the Duncan Toy Company's trademark of the term "yo-yo." It whistled when spun due to holes in its sides.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Cayo Manufacturing Company
ID Number
2002.0246.01
accession number
2002.0246
catalog number
2002.0246.01

Hummingbird Smothers Brothers Yo-Yo

This wooden "Smothers Brothers" yo-yo was made by the Hummingbird Toy Company in 1988. The yo-yo is unopened upon its original yellow, red and black display card that also holds an owner’s manual.
Description (Brief)
This wooden "Smothers Brothers" yo-yo was made by the Hummingbird Toy Company in 1988. The yo-yo is unopened upon its original yellow, red and black display card that also holds an owner’s manual. Silhouette images of the brothers holding musical instruments are printed on the card. The yo-yo has flat sides and a stamped drawing of Dick Smothers (1939- ). The Smothers Brothers were a duo comedy variety act who parlayed their song “Yo-yo Man” into a successful instructional video and yo-yo line.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1988
depicted
Smothers Brothers
maker
Hummingbird Toy Company, Ltd.
ID Number
2002.0246.52
accession number
2002.0246
catalog number
2002.0246.52

Polo Shirt, America3 America's Cup Yacht Racing Team, 1995

In 1992, American businessman Bill Koch funded the yacht America3 that beat the Italian challenger to win the America's Cup yacht race. In 1995, he put together an all-female America's Cup racing team aboard a new purpose-built yacht named Mighty Mary.
Description
In 1992, American businessman Bill Koch funded the yacht America3 that beat the Italian challenger to win the America's Cup yacht race. In 1995, he put together an all-female America's Cup racing team aboard a new purpose-built yacht named Mighty Mary. They beat Dennis Connor in the first Defender race but lost the series final with a male captain. Dennis Connor went on to lose the 1995 America's Cup to New Zealand in five straight losses.
This polo shirt with the team logo was donated to the Smithsonian by a member of the foredeck crew for the Mighty Mary campaign.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1995.0208.02
catalog number
1995.0208.02
accession number
1995.0208

Dish

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1923
date used
1936 to 1960s
maker
Beetleware Corporation
ID Number
1984.0331.09
accession number
1984.0331
catalog number
1984.0331.09

T-shirt, America3 America's Cup Yacht Racing Team, 1995

In 1992, American businessman Bill Koch funded the yacht America3, which beat the Italian challenger to win the America's Cup yacht race. In 1995, he put together an all-female America's Cup racing team aboard a new purpose-built yacht named Mighty Mary.
Description
In 1992, American businessman Bill Koch funded the yacht America3, which beat the Italian challenger to win the America's Cup yacht race. In 1995, he put together an all-female America's Cup racing team aboard a new purpose-built yacht named Mighty Mary. They narrowly lost to famous yachtsman Dennis Connor, who went on to lose the America's Cup to New Zealand in five straight losses.
This t-shirt began with the famous World War II Rosie the Riveter image and altered it with the collar button "A3" and logo along the bottom edge. The donor was a foredeck crewmember for the Mighty Mary campaign.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1995.0208.01
catalog number
1995.0208.01
accession number
1995.0208

Baseball, signed by the 1951 St. Louis Browns

Baseball autographed by Satchell Paige and the 1951 St.
Description
Baseball autographed by Satchell Paige and the 1951 St. Louis Browns.That season the Browns went 52-102, 8th in the American League.
Autographs include Satchel Paige; Ken Wood; Bob Young; Matt Bates; Fred Marsh; Sherm Lollar; Hank Arft; Frank Saucier; Jack Maguire; Bill Jennings; Jim Suchecki; Jim Delsing; Bob Mahoney.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1951
signer
Paige, Satchel
maker
Spalding
ID Number
2005.0195.01
accession number
2005.0195
catalog number
2005.0195.01

Duncan El Toro Yo-Yo

This blue plastic yo-yo was made by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1950s. Clear plastic covers on its rounded sides reveal red, white and black designs featuring graphics of charging bulls. There are loose pieces inside the yo-yo which make a slight noise when spun.
Description (Brief)
This blue plastic yo-yo was made by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1950s. Clear plastic covers on its rounded sides reveal red, white and black designs featuring graphics of charging bulls. There are loose pieces inside the yo-yo which make a slight noise when spun. The sides read “Genuine Duncan Yo-Yo, El Toro.”
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1950s
maker
Duncan
ID Number
2002.0246.20
accession number
2002.0246
catalog number
2002.0246.20

Lights Out / Strike Up the Band; Forham "Ram" / Hail to Pitt

Jan Garber and his Orchestra. side 1: Lights Out [track 1] Strike Up the Band [track 2]; side 2: Fordham "Ram" [track 1] Hail to Pitt [track 2] (Capitol 10144), from the album, College Medleys (Capitol CD-95).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Jan Garber and his Orchestra. side 1: Lights Out [track 1] Strike Up the Band [track 2]; side 2: Fordham "Ram" [track 1] Hail to Pitt [track 2] (Capitol 10144), from the album, College Medleys (Capitol CD-95).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1948
recording artist
Jan Garber and His Orchestra
manufacturer
Capitol
ID Number
1981.0656.520
catalog number
1981.0656.520
maker number
10144
CD-95
accession number
1981.0656

Ted Kennedy whitewater rafting

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1960s-1980s
depicted (sitter)
Kennedy, Edward M.
maker
Regan, Ken
ID Number
2013.0327.1232
accession number
2013.0327
catalog number
2013.0327.1232

Maryland, Maryland / Hark the Sound of Tar Heel Voices; Rambling Wreck from Georgia Tech / Fight Alabama

Jan Garber and his Orchestra. side 1: Maryland, Maryland [track 1] Hark the Sounds of Tar Heel Voices [track 2]; side 2: Rambling Wreck from Georgia Tech [track 1 Fight Alabama [track 2] (Capitol 10141), from the album, College Medleys (Capitol CD-95).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Jan Garber and his Orchestra. side 1: Maryland, Maryland [track 1] Hark the Sounds of Tar Heel Voices [track 2]; side 2: Rambling Wreck from Georgia Tech [track 1 Fight Alabama [track 2] (Capitol 10141), from the album, College Medleys (Capitol CD-95).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1948
recording artist
Jan Garber and His Orchestra
manufacturer
Capitol
ID Number
1981.0656.517
maker number
10141
CD-95
accession number
1981.0656
catalog number
1981.0656.517

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