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.

Place: United States

Goody Filipino Twirler

This wooden yo-yo was made by the Goody Manufacturing Company in the 1950s-1960s. Goody was a main competitor of the Duncan Toys Co.
Description (Brief)
This wooden yo-yo was made by the Goody Manufacturing Company in the 1950s-1960s. Goody was a main competitor of the Duncan Toys Co. who had trademarked term “yo-yo.” Instead, Goody called their products “Filipino Twirlers,” in reference to the toys' presumed Filipino origins.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1950s-1960s
maker
Goody
ID Number
2002.0246.16
accession number
2002.0246
catalog number
2002.0246.16

Plate 50. The Halt, scene near Culpeper

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Timothy H.
Description
Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Timothy H. O'Sullivan, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
"Cigars and cognac, with these we bivouac," says the old song, but as Cognac was, in the army, a questionable fluid, to say the least of it, and scarce at that, the lounger in the grass wisely contented himself with the pleasures of the weed. His good war-steed, in condition highly creditable to the groom, patiently accepts the opportunity to rest, evidently affording an object of critical admiration to his master, whose orderly meanwhile keeps an eye about the vicinity. There is nothing particular in the picture to account for this little halt, but those who recognize the officer, may possibly give a shrewd guess at his reasons. He is the Quartermaster of the Headquarters of the Army of the Potomac, and has doubtless ridden forward to the position selected for camp, to examine its capabilities, and await the arrival of his wagon-train, in order to personally superintend the pitching of the tents, and the parking of the wagons.
To still further satisfy curiosity, it may be mentioned that the reclining officer is Captain Harry Page, since Colonel and Chief Quartermaster of the Cavalry Corps, one of the most arduous posts of duty in the service, and one whose necessities during the severe campaigns up the Shenandoah Valley, and in the vicinity of Richmond, kept the young Colonel always upon his mettle.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1864-05
maker
Gardner, Alexander
ID Number
1986.0711.0334.50
accession number
1986.0711
catalog number
1986.0711.0334.50

Creeping Baby Doll Patent Model

This model demonstrates the invention of a mechanical crawling doll. It accompanied the patent submission of George Pemberton Clarke, who received U.S. patent No.
Description
This model demonstrates the invention of a mechanical crawling doll. It accompanied the patent submission of George Pemberton Clarke, who received U.S. patent No. 118,435 on 29 August 1871 for his “Natural Creeping Baby Doll.” The original patent office tag is still attached with red tape. Clarke’s patent was an improvement on the crawling baby doll patent of his associate Robert J. Clay (No. 112,550 granted 14 March 1871).
The doll’s head, two arms and two legs are made of painted plaster. The arms and legs are hinged to a brass clockwork body that actuates the arms and legs in imitation of crawling, but the doll moves forward by rolling along on two toothed wheels. A flat piece of wood is attached to top of the movement.
A commercial version of the doll is also in the collection. See also Catalog number 2011.0204.01a.
This mechanical toy is part of a fascinating continuum of figures built to imitate human life. This long Western tradition stretches from ancient Greece through the mechanical automatons of the Enlightenment, through wind-up toys to contemporary robots and other machines with artificial intelligence.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1871
patent date
1871-08-29
inventor
Clarke, George P.
ID Number
1984.0923.01
accession number
1984.0923
catalog number
1984.0923.01
patent number
118,435

Canoe, SAIRY GAMP

This small canoe was built in 1882 by J. H. Rushton in Canton, New York, for writer and adventurer George Washington Sears. Under the name "Nessmuk," Sears penned essays on hunting, fishing, and camping for popular journals and magazines.Currently on loan
Description
This small canoe was built in 1882 by J. H. Rushton in Canton, New York, for writer and adventurer George Washington Sears. Under the name "Nessmuk," Sears penned essays on hunting, fishing, and camping for popular journals and magazines.
Location
Currently on loan
date made
1882
maker
Rushton, J. H.
ID Number
TR.160315
accession number
7809
catalog number
160315

Plate

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1923
patent date
1923-06-12
date used
1936 to 1960s
maker
Beetleware Corporation
ID Number
1984.0331.02
accession number
1984.0331
catalog number
1984.0331.02

Duncan Rainbo Yo-Yo

This Duncan steel yo-yo was manufactured by the Cayo Manufacturing Company in 1934. It has flat black sides with a black and white stripe design around the edges.
Description (Brief)
This Duncan steel yo-yo was manufactured by the Cayo Manufacturing Company in 1934. It has flat black sides with a black and white stripe design around the edges. There is a red, yellow and blue internal, metallic spinning disc that can be seen through small cut out windows in the sides. The decal reads “Genuine Duncan Rainbo Yo-Yo, Trade Mark Reg. USA.” The Duncan Toys Company contracted its metal yo-yos to the Cayo Manufacturing Company until World War II.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1934
maker
Duncan
Cayo Manufacturing Company
ID Number
2002.0246.02
accession number
2002.0246
catalog number
2002.0246.02

Duncan Mickey Mouse Club Yo-Yo

This plastic yo-yo was made by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1960s. It is unopened on its original a display card reading “Duncan Official Mickey Mouse Club Yo-yo Return Top.” It has flat sides and transparent view lenses.
Description (Brief)
This plastic yo-yo was made by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1960s. It is unopened on its original a display card reading “Duncan Official Mickey Mouse Club Yo-yo Return Top.” It has flat sides and transparent view lenses. Paper inserts feature colorful drawings of Walt Disney Company characters Mickey and Minnie Mouse. This yo-yo is one example of three Duncan Imperial Jr. models featuring Disney characters.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1960s
maker
Duncan
ID Number
2002.0246.54
accession number
2002.0246
catalog number
2002.0246.54

Duncan Shrieking Sonic Satellite Yo-Yo

This wooden yo-yo was made by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1960s. It is displayed on a white, teal, and black display card. The yo-yo has rounded sides with a red glitter and white rims. There are holes through both rims that creates a whistling sound when spun.
Description (Brief)
This wooden yo-yo was made by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1960s. It is displayed on a white, teal, and black display card. The yo-yo has rounded sides with a red glitter and white rims. There are holes through both rims that creates a whistling sound when spun. This model was part of Duncan’s "Satellite" line, inspired by the era's space race.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1960s
maker
Duncan
ID Number
2002.0246.50
accession number
2002.0246
catalog number
2002.0246.50

Royal Special Yo-Yo

This wooden yo-yo was made by Royal Chico Toys in the 1950s.
Description (Brief)
This wooden yo-yo was made by Royal Chico Toys in the 1950s. There is a red and yellow graphic of a crown (made to resemble the Crown of England) on a blue and white decal seal reading “Royal Special, Official Tournament Top.” This yo-yo is in its original packaging, which reads “Royal Champions in Action, watch them on TV.” Royal was a major, mid-century maker started by Filipino immigrant Joe Radovan.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1950s
maker
Royal Chico Toys, Inc.
ID Number
2002.0246.53
accession number
2002.0246
catalog number
2002.0246.53

Stinger Yo-Yo

This plastic yo-yo was made by Small Minds Press in 1996. Called the Stinger, it remains unopened on a display card. It has indented flat sides. A real scorpion has been embedded inside of one half.
Description (Brief)
This plastic yo-yo was made by Small Minds Press in 1996. Called the Stinger, it remains unopened on a display card. It has indented flat sides. A real scorpion has been embedded inside of one half. There is educational information about scorpions on the reverse of the card.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1996
maker
Small Minds Press
ID Number
2002.0246.51
accession number
2002.0246
catalog number
2002.0246.51

Alma Mater / Lord Geoffrey Amherst; Fight On, Pennsylvania / Red and Blue

All-American Glee Club. side 1: Alma Mater (track 1) Lord Geoffrey Amherst (track 2); side 2: Fight On, Pennsylvania (track 1) Red snd Blue (track 2) (Victor 26671), from the album, College Songs, Vol. 1 - Eastern Vol. (Victor P 32).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
All-American Glee Club. side 1: Alma Mater (track 1) Lord Geoffrey Amherst (track 2); side 2: Fight On, Pennsylvania (track 1) Red snd Blue (track 2) (Victor 26671), from the album, College Songs, Vol. 1 - Eastern Vol. (Victor P 32).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1940
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1988.0384.21
accession number
1988.0384
maker number
26671
catalog number
1988.0384.21
maker number
P 32

Time, Volume LXX Number 9

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1957
depicted (sitter)
Gibson, Althea
maker
TIME Inc.
ID Number
2016.0200.01
accession number
2016.0200
catalog number
2016.0200.01

Duncan Tournament Yo-Yo

This yellow, wooden "Duncan Tournament" yo-yo was made by the Duncan Toys Company frin around 1960-1965. Known as a “crossed flags” model, it is the last iteration of Duncan's "Tournament" line in wood. It is mounted on a display card featuring an image of the mascot “Mr.
Description (Brief)
This yellow, wooden "Duncan Tournament" yo-yo was made by the Duncan Toys Company frin around 1960-1965. Known as a “crossed flags” model, it is the last iteration of Duncan's "Tournament" line in wood. It is mounted on a display card featuring an image of the mascot “Mr. Yo-Yo” and the slogan “If it isn't Duncan it isn't Yo-Yo.”
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1960s
maker
Duncan
ID Number
2002.0246.49
accession number
2002.0246
catalog number
2002.0246.49

I Always Wanted To Be Somebody

Althea Gibson. I Always Wanted To Be Somebody (New York: Harper & Brothers, 1958). with original paper jacket.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Althea Gibson. I Always Wanted To Be Somebody (New York: Harper & Brothers, 1958). with original paper jacket.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1958
referenced
Gibson, Althea
maker
Harper & Brothers
ID Number
2017.0191.08
accession number
2017.0191
catalog number
2017.0191.08

Duncan Yo-Yo Display Box

This is an empty cardboard store display box for Duncan Yo-Yos from the 1930s. It is red and white with drawings of international yo-yo users. The box reads “Duncan’s Genuine Gold Seal Beginners’ Yo-Yo Tops…if it isn’t a Duncan-it isn’t a yo-yo top.”Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This is an empty cardboard store display box for Duncan Yo-Yos from the 1930s. It is red and white with drawings of international yo-yo users. The box reads “Duncan’s Genuine Gold Seal Beginners’ Yo-Yo Tops…if it isn’t a Duncan-it isn’t a yo-yo top.”
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1930s
maker
Duncan
ID Number
2002.0246.65
accession number
2002.0246
catalog number
2002.0246.65

Pepper Shaker

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1923
date used
1936 to 1960s
maker
Beetleware Corporation
ID Number
1984.0331.13
accession number
1984.0331
catalog number
1984.0331.13

1934 Trav-L-Coach house trailer

The Cate family of Lakeport, New Hampshire purchased this trailer in 1936 to serve as their vacation home.
Description
The Cate family of Lakeport, New Hampshire purchased this trailer in 1936 to serve as their vacation home. Cars and highways had created vast new recreational opportunities, and during the Depression many families who were financially stable still enjoyed driving to remote scenic areas. The Cates, like other trailer owners, thought of touring as an extension of home life, and they could afford the security, comfort, and intimacy of a manufactured cottage on wheels.
Eben Cate was a rural mail carrier on a route through several villages near Lake Winnipesaukee. He earned two weeks of vacation time per year. In 1936 he saw this trailer in a showroom in Laconia, a few miles from his home, and purchased it for pleasure trips. Eben and Vernie and their children, Rudolph and Virginia, made one trip to Florida in their new trailer in 1937, staying one night in many different locations. Every summer during the 1940s, they spent a week at Decatur Motor Camp at York Beach on the southern coast of Maine. They kept house in the trailer, went for walks, and swam in the Atlantic Ocean. Vernie did the housekeeping — not much of a vacation for her, but a change of scenery nonetheless. The Cates also visited Vernie's relatives in East Corinth, Vermont and parked the trailer "out near the barn" with an electrical hookup. The wooden trailer came equipped with a bedroom, sofa beds, table, kitchen, closets, and cupboards.
House trailers were so appealing that thousands of itinerant people lived in them full-time in the 1930s. But early residential trailer camps had poor sanitary conditions and no landscaping. Some observers believed that traditional communities were threatened by the existence of these ad hoc, transient communities. Trailers created contradictory feelings of pride and disapproval —a far cry from the euphoric autocamping outings of the 1920s.
Date made
1934
user
Cate, Eben
Cate, Vernie
maker
Trav-L-Coach
ID Number
1981.0524.01
accession number
1981.0524
catalog number
1981.0524.01

Homemade Baseball

Handmade baseball made by previous owner's great aunt, Ida Clark. Ms. Clark covered and hand stitched this baseball for an unknown company.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Handmade baseball made by previous owner's great aunt, Ida Clark. Ms. Clark covered and hand stitched this baseball for an unknown company.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Clark, Ida
ID Number
1989.0665.02
catalog number
1989.0665.02
accession number
1989.0665

Powell Quicksilver skateboard designed by George Powell and used by Stacy Peralta

The Powell Quicksilver skateboard has as a hard rock maple core, laminated with aluminum. The aluminum Tracker trucks were designed by Larry Balma and the yellow polyurethane wheels were a Powell design.
Description (Brief)
The Powell Quicksilver skateboard has as a hard rock maple core, laminated with aluminum. The aluminum Tracker trucks were designed by Larry Balma and the yellow polyurethane wheels were a Powell design. George Powell designed and manufactured this board, which was used by Stacy Peralta, a pro skateboarder in 1977. The Quicksilver was the first deck Powell made and was a successful design, but the rapid changing market made it "out of style" less than a year after it was introduced. According to Powell, "the quicksilver utilizes very high strength 7000 series aluminum alloy skins very low elongation, epoxied to hard maple cores to achieve the best strength to weight ratio. The result was a deck that turned quicker than a fiber flex and was a little stronger and less resistant to breaking."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1977
user
Peralta, Stacy
maker
Powell, George
ID Number
1987.0738.01
accession number
1987.0738
catalog number
1987.0738.001

Stall and Dean Company Fall and Winter Sporting Goods Catalog

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
printer
Stall & Dean Mfg. Co.
ID Number
1986.0368.06
accession number
1986.0368
catalog number
1986.0368.06

1897 Champions, Mergantile Baseball League

mounted black and white photograph (possibly matte collodion) by J.B.
Description (Brief)
mounted black and white photograph (possibly matte collodion) by J.B. Wilson Studio, 389 State St., Chicago; image of 1897 Champions of the Mergantile Baseball League; team name is Mandel Bros.; nine men in baseball uniform with one man in black suit and white shirt sitting in center posing for photograph; players identified as 1. Werntz, Sec'y 2. Reker 3. Faulkner 4. Van Zandt 5. Wenig, G. 6. Litzinger, Capt. 7. Hebel, Mgr. 8. Wenig, F. 9. Burley 10. Alberts
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1897
ID Number
1986.3048.2168
catalog number
1986.3048.2168
nonaccession number
1986.3048

Western Bloomer Girls

date made
ca 1900
ID Number
1986.0020.01
accession number
1986.0020
catalog number
1986.0020.01

Annie S. Peck

ID Number
1986.0015.01
catalog number
1986.0015.01
accession number
1986.0015

Winning "HandsDown", with a Good Second.

A color print of a race track scene. The spectators in two grandstands and behind the fence cheer the winning horse as he crosses the finish line with his jockey, a full length ahead of the next competitor. A large pack of horses and jockeys follow.
Description
A color print of a race track scene. The spectators in two grandstands and behind the fence cheer the winning horse as he crosses the finish line with his jockey, a full length ahead of the next competitor. A large pack of horses and jockeys follow. The judge at the finish line observes with folded hands. Two American flags rise above the stands.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1887
maker
Currier & Ives
ID Number
DL.60.3241
catalog number
60.3241

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