Skip to main content Smithsonian Institution

Search Results

Collections Search Center
219 documents - page 1 of 11

Rare Training Film Shows Nazi Guide to Destroying Soviet Tanks | WWII in Color | Smithsonian Channel

Creator:
Smithsonian Channel  Search this
Type:
YouTube Videos
Uploaded:
2022-01-17T16:59:48.000Z
YouTube Category:
Entertainment  Search this
See more by:
smithsonianchannel
Data Source:
Smithsonian Channel
YouTube Channel:
smithsonianchannel
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:yt_yGfA6veeWnQ

Ann and Thomas Damigella Collection

Creator:
Damigella, Ann.  Search this
Damigella, Thomas  Search this
Names:
Tupperware Home Parties  Search this
Tupperware International.  Search this
Extent:
17 Videocassettes (VHS)
38 Motion picture films
1.25 Cubic feet (4 boxes )
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Videocassettes (vhs)
Motion picture films
Motion pictures (visual works)
Sound recordings
Date:
1951-1997
Summary:
Film, sound recordings and documentary material relating to the history of Tupperware home parties and the Damigella Tupperware distributorship in Everett, Massachusetts.
Scope and Contents:
Because of their long affiliation with Tupperware, the Damigellas have amassed a significant collection of archival documentation and memorabilia relating to the history of Tupperware, and particularly to the sales practices and sales force training methods of this highly successful, widely emulated, international corporation.

The collection includes film, sound recordings and printed material relating to Tupperware sales practices and methods of sales force motivation and control.
Arrangement:
The collection is arranged in ten series. Within each series, materials are arranged chronologically.

Series 1: CATALOGS, 1957-1997

Series 2: GAMES AND DEMONSTRATION GUIDES, 1965-1990

Series 3: ADVERTISING, 1970-1980

Series 4: TUPPERWARE INTERNATIONAL, 1960-1990

Series 5: RECRUITMENT, DEALERSHIP AND MANAGERSHIP, 1960-1995. Proscriptive and motivational literature about working for Tupperware. Series 6: SOUND RECORDINGS, 1953; 1977-78

Series 7: OUR WORLD MAGAZINE, 1976-1991. Sales force magazine, containing demonstration, recruitment and sales advice; product information; and profiles of successful dealers, managers and distributors.

Series 8: JUBILEE PUBLICATIONS, 1967-1982. Publications reviewing and highlighting Jubilee, the annual sales force gathering in Orlando, Florida.

Series 9: DAMIGELLA DISTRIBUTORSHIP AND TUPPERWARE HISTORICAL MATERIALS, 1960-1991. News clippings, research reports, and other background information about Tupperware and the Damigella distributorship, including a chronology compiled by Tom Damigella, Jr.and material assembled by the son of Stanley Home Products and Tupperware salesman Norman Squires relating to his contributions to or innovation in the home party plan.

Series 10: MOVING IMAGES, 1951-1991. 54 16mm films and 2@ VHS videotapes. Film and video mastering and duplication were made possible by a gift from Tupperware International.

There are six subseries.

Subseries 1: Promotional/Motivational Films, 1960-1992. Contains promotional and motivational films featuring activities organized by the company to bring dealers and distributors together, usually with statements from Tupperware executives. Contains product promotion films introducing new Tupperware to the sales force. Contains Jubilee films showcasing the annual celebration, showing award ceremonies, games, music and entertainment (including appearances by Anita Bryant, Waylon Jennings and Pat Boone).

Subseries 2: Training Films, 1952-1997. Includes step-by-step guides to planning Home Parties, learning sales techniques, demonstrating products, and introducing new sales promotions. One film gives tips on safe driving to and from the Tupperware parties, for managers using cars leased by the distributorship for their use.

Subseries 3: Corporate Films, 1958-1992. Includes films showing product development from design to end result as well as discussions of business strategies.

Subseries 4: Commercials, 1983-1994. Presents new products; emphasizes effectiveness and efficiency of using Tupperware.

Subseries 5: Home Movies, 1951-1997. Includes home movies shot by Tupperware distributors Tom and Ann Damigella. This material includes tributes to the Damigellas.

Subseries 6: Acquired Films, 1961. Non-Tupperware films acquired by the Damigellas.
Biographical / Historical:
Ann and Tom Damigella already had experience selling Stanley Home Products when they encountered Tupperware in 1947. Mr. and Mrs. Damigella foresaw great possibilities with the new product, and immediately decided to add Tupperware to the line of products they offered door to door. In 1950, they attended the first "round table" meeting with Earl Tupper (inventor of Tupperware), Brownie Wise (who perfected Tupperware's home party sales system) and sixteen to twenty other Tupperware distributors from around the country. The Damigellas quickly became some of the top Tupperware sales people in the country; in 1952 they were awarded a Cadillac as one of the top six movers of Tupperware in North America. Self-proclaimed Tupperware people, their son, Tom Damigella, Jr., and son-in-law, Jon Nelson, followed them into the business, making the Damigella Distributorship the oldest and among the most successful distributorships in the country -- the distributorship has been in the top 25 in sales every year since the early 1960s. Tom. Jr. manages the distributorship since his father's retirement in 1994; Jon Nelson went on to become one of Tupperware's regional vice-presidents.
Related Materials:
Tupperware may also be found in the Museum's Division of Domestic Life (now Division of Cultural and Community Life). Researchers interested in the history of Tupperware should also consult the Earl Tupper (AC#470) and Brownie Wise (AC#509) Collections in the Archives Center.
Provenance:
The collection was donated to the Archives Center of the National Museum of American History by Ann and Thomas Damigella in July 1997.
Restrictions:
Collection is open for research but the fils are stored off-site and special arrangements must be made to work with it. Contact the Archives Center for information at archivescenter@si.edu or 202-633-3270.
Rights:
Most items have copyright and/or trademark restrictions. Tupperware films: Most duplication and use of films in commercial and non-commercial productions requires written permission from the Tupperware Corporation. See repository for details.
Topic:
Plastic container industry -- 1950-2000  Search this
Product demonstrations -- 1950-2000  Search this
Sales -- Plastic containers -- 1950-2000  Search this
Direct selling -- 1950-2000  Search this
Genre/Form:
Motion pictures (visual works)
Sound recordings
Citation:
Ann and Thomas Damigella Collection, 1951-1997, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
Identifier:
NMAH.AC.0583
See more items in:
Ann and Thomas Damigella Collection
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8c3d57e27-6305-48fe-a45e-f55047dc2f00
EDAN-URL:
ead_collection:sova-nmah-ac-0583
Online Media:

A Tupperware Home Party

Collection Creator:
Damigella, Ann.  Search this
Damigella, Thomas  Search this
Container:
Box OF 583.27
Box 3 (RV), Video RV 583.27
Type:
Archival materials
Moving Images
Date:
circa 1952
Scope and Contents note:
Introduction by Brownie Wise, holds up "Know How" booklet. Then: "Welcome to Tupperware Party with Marge Rogers" sign; Rogers demonstrates how to hold a Tupperware party and highlights specific Tupperware products.
Arrangement note:
16mm color composite optical track print, 1526 feet
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research but the fils are stored off-site and special arrangements must be made to work with it. Contact the Archives Center for information at archivescenter@si.edu or 202-633-3270.
Collection Rights:
Most items have copyright and/or trademark restrictions. Tupperware films: Most duplication and use of films in commercial and non-commercial productions requires written permission from the Tupperware Corporation. See repository for details.
Collection Citation:
Ann and Thomas Damigella Collection, 1951-1997, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
See more items in:
Ann and Thomas Damigella Collection
Ann and Thomas Damigella Collection / Series 10: Moving Images / 10.2: Training Films
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep81e686230-501b-4145-826b-031e1c08b5ad
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0583-ref175

TupperAware - Safe Driving Thru Driver Awareness

Collection Creator:
Damigella, Ann.  Search this
Damigella, Thomas  Search this
Container:
Box OF 583.28
Box 3 (RV), Video RV 583.28
Type:
Archival materials
Moving Images
Date:
circa 1977
Scope and Contents note:
Advice on how to avoid road accidents; tips on safe driving.
Arrangement note:
16mm color composite optical track print, 415 feet
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research but the fils are stored off-site and special arrangements must be made to work with it. Contact the Archives Center for information at archivescenter@si.edu or 202-633-3270.
Collection Rights:
Most items have copyright and/or trademark restrictions. Tupperware films: Most duplication and use of films in commercial and non-commercial productions requires written permission from the Tupperware Corporation. See repository for details.
Collection Citation:
Ann and Thomas Damigella Collection, 1951-1997, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
See more items in:
Ann and Thomas Damigella Collection
Ann and Thomas Damigella Collection / Series 10: Moving Images / 10.2: Training Films
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep89f212335-e54c-4010-a875-ff4dffc97e04
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0583-ref178

Trade Up and Save

Collection Creator:
Damigella, Ann.  Search this
Damigella, Thomas  Search this
Container:
Box OV 583.29, Folder RV 583.29
Type:
Archival materials
Moving Images
Date:
1980s
Scope and Contents note:
Presents new sales deal (valid for five weeks): customers get 25% savings on Tupperware if they bring in their old storage containers (such as margerine or deli tubs) in exchange; also tells how to get customers to buy an entire set. Jennie Halloran and Bob Ulrich emcee.
Arrangement note:
½" videocassette, c. 12:10 mins.
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research but the fils are stored off-site and special arrangements must be made to work with it. Contact the Archives Center for information at archivescenter@si.edu or 202-633-3270.
Collection Rights:
Most items have copyright and/or trademark restrictions. Tupperware films: Most duplication and use of films in commercial and non-commercial productions requires written permission from the Tupperware Corporation. See repository for details.
Collection Citation:
Ann and Thomas Damigella Collection, 1951-1997, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
See more items in:
Ann and Thomas Damigella Collection
Ann and Thomas Damigella Collection / Series 10: Moving Images / 10.2: Training Films
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep84fa54e0c-e7ec-462b-a211-93ea548821ee
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0583-ref181

Tuppertoys Tips

Collection Creator:
Damigella, Ann.  Search this
Damigella, Thomas  Search this
Container:
Box OV 583.30, Folder RV 583.30
Type:
Archival materials
Moving Images
Date:
1980s
Scope and Contents note:
Presents Tuppertoys: their safety features, how they function, what kids can learn etc.
Arrangement note:
½" videocassette, c. 17:40 mins.
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research but the fils are stored off-site and special arrangements must be made to work with it. Contact the Archives Center for information at archivescenter@si.edu or 202-633-3270.
Collection Rights:
Most items have copyright and/or trademark restrictions. Tupperware films: Most duplication and use of films in commercial and non-commercial productions requires written permission from the Tupperware Corporation. See repository for details.
Collection Citation:
Ann and Thomas Damigella Collection, 1951-1997, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
See more items in:
Ann and Thomas Damigella Collection
Ann and Thomas Damigella Collection / Series 10: Moving Images / 10.2: Training Films
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep87bfe0f58-d0a5-498f-84c0-bfb8e641d1c1
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0583-ref184

Party Planning

Collection Creator:
Damigella, Ann.  Search this
Damigella, Thomas  Search this
Container:
Box OV 583.31, Folder RV 583.31
Type:
Archival materials
Moving Images
Date:
circa 1980
Scope and Contents note:
Tupperware manager explains planning to new hostess recruit; another manager explains how to round up friends, plan mailing list. Video must be a copy; beginning is recorded over with speech and video is cut off at end.
Arrangement note:
½" videocassette, c. 32: 25 mins.
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research but the fils are stored off-site and special arrangements must be made to work with it. Contact the Archives Center for information at archivescenter@si.edu or 202-633-3270.
Collection Rights:
Most items have copyright and/or trademark restrictions. Tupperware films: Most duplication and use of films in commercial and non-commercial productions requires written permission from the Tupperware Corporation. See repository for details.
Collection Citation:
Ann and Thomas Damigella Collection, 1951-1997, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
See more items in:
Ann and Thomas Damigella Collection
Ann and Thomas Damigella Collection / Series 10: Moving Images / 10.2: Training Films
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8b08f3a26-d4b0-4b0a-9c72-b9e510b8017d
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0583-ref187

Ultra 21 Training Blitz

Collection Creator:
Damigella, Ann.  Search this
Damigella, Thomas  Search this
Container:
Box OV 583.32, Folder RV 583.32
Type:
Archival materials
Moving Images
Date:
circa 1985
Scope and Contents note:
Gaylin Olson and Muppet-like figure present new Ultra 21 ovenware. Francine Watkins comments on six new videos for distributors, managers and dealers:
Arrangement note:
½" videocassette, c. 75 mins.
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research but the fils are stored off-site and special arrangements must be made to work with it. Contact the Archives Center for information at archivescenter@si.edu or 202-633-3270.
Collection Rights:
Most items have copyright and/or trademark restrictions. Tupperware films: Most duplication and use of films in commercial and non-commercial productions requires written permission from the Tupperware Corporation. See repository for details.
Collection Citation:
Ann and Thomas Damigella Collection, 1951-1997, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
See more items in:
Ann and Thomas Damigella Collection
Ann and Thomas Damigella Collection / Series 10: Moving Images / 10.2: Training Films
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep80a0a41ff-dcf2-4aa0-92a7-955524a06380
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0583-ref190

Demo Ideas - Tupperware Filmed Demos Video

Collection Creator:
Damigella, Ann.  Search this
Damigella, Thomas  Search this
Container:
Box OV 583.33, Folder RV 583.33
Type:
Archival materials
Moving Images
Date:
4/21/88
Scope and Contents note:
Tips for salespeople on demonstrating. New products demo. Manager Sharon demonstrates barbeque products by a swimming pool. Manager Diane demonstrates a juice pitcher.
Arrangement note:
½" videocassette, c. 11 mins.
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research but the fils are stored off-site and special arrangements must be made to work with it. Contact the Archives Center for information at archivescenter@si.edu or 202-633-3270.
Collection Rights:
Most items have copyright and/or trademark restrictions. Tupperware films: Most duplication and use of films in commercial and non-commercial productions requires written permission from the Tupperware Corporation. See repository for details.
Collection Citation:
Ann and Thomas Damigella Collection, 1951-1997, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
See more items in:
Ann and Thomas Damigella Collection
Ann and Thomas Damigella Collection / Series 10: Moving Images / 10.2: Training Films
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8ae1daa76-f095-417b-bdab-0a9cdfd2b652
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0583-ref193

Custom Kitchen Planning Training Video

Collection Creator:
Damigella, Ann.  Search this
Damigella, Thomas  Search this
Container:
Box OV 583.34, Folder RV 583.34
Type:
Archival materials
Moving Images
Date:
circa 1988
Scope and Contents note:
Step-by-step guide to organizing a customer's kitchen with Modular Mates. Manager Patty Wilson is shown the ropes by "fairy-godmanager" Sharon. Steps include:
Arrangement note:
½" videocassette, c. 39:15 mins.
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research but the fils are stored off-site and special arrangements must be made to work with it. Contact the Archives Center for information at archivescenter@si.edu or 202-633-3270.
Collection Rights:
Most items have copyright and/or trademark restrictions. Tupperware films: Most duplication and use of films in commercial and non-commercial productions requires written permission from the Tupperware Corporation. See repository for details.
Collection Citation:
Ann and Thomas Damigella Collection, 1951-1997, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
See more items in:
Ann and Thomas Damigella Collection
Ann and Thomas Damigella Collection / Series 10: Moving Images / 10.2: Training Films
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep87995bb3b-ddf9-42d5-a223-b2ed413d5977
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0583-ref196

Pay with Order

Collection Creator:
Damigella, Ann.  Search this
Damigella, Thomas  Search this
Container:
Box OV 583.35, Folder RV 583.35
Type:
Archival materials
Moving Images
Date:
circa 1988
Scope and Contents note:
Francine Watkins interviews managers Jeanette Anderson and Lynne Baker; discussion about new 'pay with order' system (i.e. you pay as soon as you order Tupperware). Second interview with distributor Nan Simonsen on the merits of 'pay with order'.
Arrangement note:
½" videocassette, c. 1h
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research but the fils are stored off-site and special arrangements must be made to work with it. Contact the Archives Center for information at archivescenter@si.edu or 202-633-3270.
Collection Rights:
Most items have copyright and/or trademark restrictions. Tupperware films: Most duplication and use of films in commercial and non-commercial productions requires written permission from the Tupperware Corporation. See repository for details.
Collection Citation:
Ann and Thomas Damigella Collection, 1951-1997, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
See more items in:
Ann and Thomas Damigella Collection
Ann and Thomas Damigella Collection / Series 10: Moving Images / 10.2: Training Films
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep83a0138ba-a458-45fb-8e82-dbb5bfa8ea08
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0583-ref199

Call-A-Dating Sessions - Ringing Up Unit Success

Collection Creator:
Damigella, Ann.  Search this
Damigella, Thomas  Search this
Container:
Box OF 583.36
Box 3 (RV), Video RV 583.36
Type:
Archival materials
Moving Images
Date:
circa 1989
Scope and Contents note:
Managers, salespeople, dealers (Francine Watkins, Donna Grijalva, Amy Bailey, and others) at a table discussing and answering sales technique questions over the phone.
Arrangement note:
16mm color composite optical track print, 711 feet
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research but the fils are stored off-site and special arrangements must be made to work with it. Contact the Archives Center for information at archivescenter@si.edu or 202-633-3270.
Collection Rights:
Most items have copyright and/or trademark restrictions. Tupperware films: Most duplication and use of films in commercial and non-commercial productions requires written permission from the Tupperware Corporation. See repository for details.
Collection Citation:
Ann and Thomas Damigella Collection, 1951-1997, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
See more items in:
Ann and Thomas Damigella Collection
Ann and Thomas Damigella Collection / Series 10: Moving Images / 10.2: Training Films
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep822f47019-ba55-488b-868d-121fc80b3e00
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0583-ref202

Dating: The Service Approach

Collection Creator:
Damigella, Ann.  Search this
Damigella, Thomas  Search this
Container:
Box OF 583.37
Box 3 (RV), Video RV 583.37
Type:
Archival materials
Moving Images
Date:
circa 1991
Scope and Contents note:
Full title credits: "Dating: The Service Approach - Special Report - The Sales Force Perspective". Distributors, managers, consultants (Debbie Gillis, Cindy Montgomery, Cindy Walloch, Terry Robertson, Judy Ciesla) on selling strategies: 1) Connect with the customer, 2) Suggest further services, 3) Listen and respond, 4) Offer alternatives, 5) Close.
Arrangement note:
16mm color composite optical track print, 468 feet
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research but the fils are stored off-site and special arrangements must be made to work with it. Contact the Archives Center for information at archivescenter@si.edu or 202-633-3270.
Collection Rights:
Most items have copyright and/or trademark restrictions. Tupperware films: Most duplication and use of films in commercial and non-commercial productions requires written permission from the Tupperware Corporation. See repository for details.
Collection Citation:
Ann and Thomas Damigella Collection, 1951-1997, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
See more items in:
Ann and Thomas Damigella Collection
Ann and Thomas Damigella Collection / Series 10: Moving Images / 10.2: Training Films
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep800b8a015-00f0-4507-ba02-8a2df5264948
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0583-ref205

Product Demos

Collection Creator:
Damigella, Ann.  Search this
Damigella, Thomas  Search this
Container:
Box OV 583.38, Folder RV 583.38
Type:
Archival materials
Moving Images
Date:
circa 1997
Scope and Contents note:
Presents Counter Savers: Tupperware storage products for kitchen if you have limited counter space. Gives recipe for Impressions Refrigerator Cake (from the Impressions range of Tupperware). Presents Modular Mates Super Ovals containers. Explains steps for a successful party when demonstrating the Counter Savers and Modular Mates.
Arrangement note:
½" videocassette, c. 16:35 mins.
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research but the fils are stored off-site and special arrangements must be made to work with it. Contact the Archives Center for information at archivescenter@si.edu or 202-633-3270.
Collection Rights:
Most items have copyright and/or trademark restrictions. Tupperware films: Most duplication and use of films in commercial and non-commercial productions requires written permission from the Tupperware Corporation. See repository for details.
Collection Citation:
Ann and Thomas Damigella Collection, 1951-1997, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
See more items in:
Ann and Thomas Damigella Collection
Ann and Thomas Damigella Collection / Series 10: Moving Images / 10.2: Training Films
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8eafaa88a-c1ca-4850-9e73-f684e25f1ec5
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0583-ref208

Duncan Family Yo-yo Collection

Creator:
Duncan, Donald F., Jr.  Search this
Duncan Yo-Yo Company.  Search this
Extent:
14 Cubic feet (40 boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Advertisements
Motion pictures (visual works)
Photographs
Business records
Clippings
Training films
Scrapbooks
Date:
1928-2002
Scope and Contents:
The Duncan Family Yo-Yo Collection consists of papers, photographs, advertising materials, scrapbooks, clippings and audio-visual materials. These materials trace the rise and fall of the companies owned by the Duncan family as well as the world of yo-yo's. The materials date from 1929 to 2002, with the bulk of the material focused on the Donald F. Duncan, Inc., and the companies that would become Playmaxx, Inc.

The collection is arranged in seven series. Series one contains business material pertaining to Donald F. Duncan, Inc., and its spin off companies. Series two contains material about Donald F. Duncan, Inc. It contains business records, correspondence, photographs, advertising materials, contest materials, information about demonstrators, and sales. Series three describes the creation of Duncraft, Inc. and how it changed names to Duracraft, Inc., finally becoming Playmaxx, Inc. The series contains material on the creation of a small business, photographs, advertising materials, instructional materials, patents and correspondence. Series four contains newspaper clippings arranged by dates. Series five contains information on the competitors of Donald F. Duncan, Inc, and Playmaxx, Inc. as well as information on the Flambeau Corporation who had bought out the Duncan name and was continuing to sell yo-yos. Series six contains information on yo-yos in general. It has materials including articles, magazines, books, music, information on the Smothers Brothers, and miscellaneous material. Series seven contains audio-visual materials including commercials, videos, audio tape and records.
Arrangement:
Collection is divided into eight series.

Series 1, Donald F. Duncan, Inc. Records, 1930-1985

Subseries 1, Minute books, 1930-1967

Subseries 2, Correspondence, 1930-1985

Subseries 3, Organizational Materials, 1959, 1962

Subseries 4, Conference Reports, 1962-1963

Subseries 5, Financial materials, 1959-1965

Subseries 6, Employee and Personnel Materials, 1962-1964

Subseries 7, Sales Materials, 1958-1965

Subseries 8, Advertising & Promotional Materials, 1957, 1962-1965

Subseries 9, Production Materials, 1954-1980

Subseries 10, Instructional Materials, 1950-1963

Subseries 11, Scrapbooks, 1930s

Subseries 12, Photographs, 1957 and undated

Subseries 13, Other Companies, 1956-1967

Subseries 14, Empty Binders, undated

Series 2: Playmaxx, 1967-2000

Subseries 1, Corporate Records, 1987-1995

Subseries 2, Correspondence, 1967-2000

Subseries 3, Advertising and Promotional materials, 1982-1990

Subseries 4, Financial Materials, 1990-1995

Subseries 5, Employee and Personnel materials, 1990-1995

Subseries 6, Sales Materials, 1981-1997

Subseries 7, Patents, 1974-1997

Subseries 8, Production Materials, 1980-1992

Subseries 9, Newsletters and Releases, 1978, 1997

Subseries 10, Programs, 1981-1997

Subseries 11, Duracraft, 1977-1986

Subseries 12, Competitors, 1976-1997

Subseries 13, Miscellaneous, 1997

Series 3: Yo-Yo's, 1928-2002

Subseries 1, Newspaper clippings, 1929-1999

Subseries 2, Articles, 1952-1998

Subseries 3, Books, 1978-2000

Subseries 4, Instructional Materials, undated

Subseries 5, Magazine, 1958-2002

Subseries 6, Newsletters, 1988-1999

Subseries 7, Music, 1930-1964

Subseries 8, Competitors, 1958-1992

Subseries 9, Contests, 1997-2000

Subseries 10, Photographs, undated

Subseries 11, Miscellaneous, 1930-2002

Series 4, Other Toys, 1935-1991

Subseries 1, Toys, 1935-1991

Subseries 2, Photographs of Other Toys, undated

Subseries 3, Photographs of Tops, undated

Series 5, Audiovisual Materials, 1946-1996
Biographical / Historical:
Donald F. Duncan (1892-1971), a businessman who had successfully marketed parking meters and ice cream, began to sell yo-yos after seeing them on a visit to California. Duncan founded Donald F. Duncan, Inc. in 1930, running it with the help of family members and soon got the word yo-yo trademarked. Duncan marketed the yo-yo successfully by using traveling demonstrators, many who were Filipinos, to hold contests around the country to increase demand. Duncan claimed the yo-yo was once a primitive hunting weapon in the Philippines and whose name meant "come-come". Duncan also used the slogan, "If it isn't a Duncan, it isn't a Yo-Yo."

As the company became more successful a plant in Luck, WI was constructed to be near the maple used to produce the yo-yos. The management division remained in Chicago, where it shared some of the same staff as the Duncan Parking Meter Company. The company also began to branch out, trying to create new toys and products, including a line of tops and selling plastic yo-yos. In the early 1960s the company, now run by Donald F. Duncan, Jr., began an aggressive and expensive marketing campaign using television ads, creating a huge demand for yo-yos that the Luck plant could not keep up with.

By 1965 Donald F. Duncan, Inc. was in financial trouble. The company was unable to keep up with demand for yo-yos, losing out to other brands. They lost an expensive legal battle Royal Tops over trademark infringement. The court ruled that the word yo-yo was the generic word for the toy. In 1965 the company's creditors wanted their money and the company filed for bankruptcy. The company was auctioned off in 1966, with the Flambeau Corporation, owners of the plastic yo-yo molds, buying the Duncan name and continuing to produce Duncan Yo-Yos.

In the early 1970s, Donald F. Duncan Jr. wanted to return to the yo-yo business. He created and received a patent for a plastic yo-yo that was balanced to maximize spin time, allowing tricks to be performed better and longer. Duncan created a series of companies, Duncraft, Inc., in 1976, Duracraft, Inc., in 1977, and finally Playmaxx, Inc., in 1987, to market his new yo-yo. These companies, based in Arizona, were primarily run by Duncan and his wife Donna. They focused on school demonstrations and other programs to sell yo-yo's. The yo¬yo, known as the ProYo, has removable sides allowing it to be display any type of logo. In addition to Playmaxx, the Duncan's also ran a yo-yo museum, the Yozeum. By the end of the 1990s, Playmaxx was no longer in business and the Duncan's moved to Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where they operated the Yozeum.
Materials in the Archives Center, National Museum of American History:
Bob Rule Papers, circa 1950-2002 (AC0855)
Separated Materials:
The Division of Culture and the Arts (now Division of Cultural and Community Life) holds related artifacts. See accession #2002.0246, #2004.0029, #2007.0158.
Provenance:
This collection was donated to the Archives Center, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution, by the Duncan family in March, 2002.
Restrictions:
Collection is open for research but is stored off-site and special arrangements must be made to work with it. Contact the Archives Center for information at archivescenter@si.edu or 202-633-3270.
Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Topic:
Yo-yos  Search this
Toys  Search this
Toy industry  Search this
Genre/Form:
Advertisements
Motion pictures (visual works)
Photographs -- 20th century
Business records -- 20th century
Clippings -- 20th century
Training films
Scrapbooks
Citation:
Duncan Family Yo-yo Collection, 1928-2002, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
Identifier:
NMAH.AC.0807
See more items in:
Duncan Family Yo-yo Collection
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8245c488c-52b4-46f1-82b5-1f56baef5751
EDAN-URL:
ead_collection:sova-nmah-ac-0807
Online Media:

Frank J. Ryan Sports Training Collection

Creator:
Ryan, Frank J.  Search this
Extent:
16 Cubic feet
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Photographs
Brochures
Books
Motion pictures (visual works)
Advertisements
Scrapbooks
Patents
Date:
1936-1982
Scope and Contents:
Archival materials relating to Ryan's career as an athlete, a sports coach at Yale, an inventor, and an author. Includes photographs, the patent for Ryan's electro-mechanical football game, scrapbooks of newsclippings, Ryan's instructional books on sports, brochures, reprints of articles and other printed materials relating to Ryan's instructional films. Also included are instructional sports films Ryan created and marketed.
Arrangement:
Divided into 2 series: Series 1: Papers, photographs and printed materials; Series 2: Audiovisual materials.
Biographical / Historical:
Coach at Yale University, creator of sports training films and author of sports training books. He developed a unique bank/school community relations program wherein banks would donate Ryan's sports training films to local schools in exchange for publicity.
Provenance:
Donated to the Archives Center in 2004 by Neil Ryan (Frank Ryan's son) and Fran Ryan.
Restrictions:
Collection open for research on site by appointment. Unprotected photographs must be handled with gloves.
Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Topic:
Coaches (Athletics)  Search this
Coaching (Athletics)  Search this
Physical education and training  Search this
Athletics  Search this
Sports -- 20th century  Search this
Genre/Form:
Photographs -- 20th century
Brochures
Books
Motion pictures (visual works) -- 20th century
Advertisements -- 20th century
Scrapbooks
Patents
Citation:
Frank J. Ryan Sports Training Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
Identifier:
NMAH.AC.0871
See more items in:
Frank J. Ryan Sports Training Collection
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8820c15a2-732f-4d65-a29d-fd5cba5953a4
EDAN-URL:
ead_collection:sova-nmah-ac-0871

Pole Vault

Collection Creator:
Ryan, Frank J.  Search this
Extent:
1 Film reel (color; optical soundtrack; print, 16mm)
Container:
Reel OF 871.1a
Type:
Archival materials
Moving Images
Film reels
Scope and Contents:
Explains the theory of the pole vault. By a simple demonstration of fulcrum, levers and weights the film explains which elements must be coordinated in order to achieve championship form.
Collection Restrictions:
Collection open for research on site by appointment. Unprotected photographs must be handled with gloves.
Collection Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Collection Citation:
Frank J. Ryan Sports Training Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
See more items in:
Frank J. Ryan Sports Training Collection
Frank J. Ryan Sports Training Collection / Series 2: Audiovisual materials / 1.1: Sports Training Films
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep85cbaacc4-ddeb-4719-bb66-56bd4489b0d6
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0871-ref515

Pole Vault pre-print elements

Collection Creator:
Ryan, Frank J.  Search this
Extent:
1 Film reel (color negative, 16mm)
1 Film reel (optical soundtrack negative, 16mm)
1 Film reel (color A-roll reversal, 16mm)
1 Film reel (color B-roll reversal, 16mm)
Container:
Reel OF 871.1b-e
Type:
Archival materials
Moving Images
Film reels
Scope and Contents:
Explains the theory of the pole vault. By a simple demonstration of fulcrum, levers and weights the film explains which elements must be coordinated in order to achieve championship form.
Collection Restrictions:
Collection open for research on site by appointment. Unprotected photographs must be handled with gloves.
Collection Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Collection Citation:
Frank J. Ryan Sports Training Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
See more items in:
Frank J. Ryan Sports Training Collection
Frank J. Ryan Sports Training Collection / Series 2: Audiovisual materials / 1.1: Sports Training Films
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8e74caca0-cdad-4602-88d7-026c4dd96f12
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0871-ref516

Sprinting pre-print elements

Collection Creator:
Ryan, Frank J.  Search this
Extent:
1 Film reel (color negative, 16mm)
1 Film reel (black and white negative, 16mm)
1 Film reel (optical soundtrack negative, 16mm)
1 Film reel (color A-roll reversal, 16mm)
1 Film reel (color B-roll reversal, 16mm)
Container:
Reel OF 871.7a-e
Type:
Archival materials
Moving Images
Film reels
Scope and Contents:
Techniques and methods of California's famed sprint coach, Lloyd C. "Bud" Winter, are thoroughly and graphically detailed, including drills and the famed "rocket" start.
Collection Restrictions:
Collection open for research on site by appointment. Unprotected photographs must be handled with gloves.
Collection Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Collection Citation:
Frank J. Ryan Sports Training Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
See more items in:
Frank J. Ryan Sports Training Collection
Frank J. Ryan Sports Training Collection / Series 2: Audiovisual materials / 1.1: Sports Training Films
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep842a23ef3-47cd-4451-9214-55512c8d8f7f
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0871-ref517

Triple Jump pre-print elements

Collection Creator:
Ryan, Frank J.  Search this
Extent:
1 Film reel (color negative, 16mm)
1 Film reel (black and white negative, 16mm)
1 Film reel (optical soundtrack negative, 16mm)
1 Film reel (color A-roll reversal, 16mm)
1 Film reel (color B-roll reversal, 16mm)
Container:
Reel OF 871.9a-e
Type:
Archival materials
Moving Images
Film reels
Scope and Contents:
This sport, originating in ancient times, differs from other track and field events in that three separate actions must be combined. Distribution of effort must be carefully proportioned for greatest total result.
Collection Restrictions:
Collection open for research on site by appointment. Unprotected photographs must be handled with gloves.
Collection Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Collection Citation:
Frank J. Ryan Sports Training Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
See more items in:
Frank J. Ryan Sports Training Collection
Frank J. Ryan Sports Training Collection / Series 2: Audiovisual materials / 1.1: Sports Training Films
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8d73bb826-a372-4220-9a5a-6a258e361e29
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0871-ref518

Modify Your Search







or


Narrow By