Skip to main content
Collections Menu
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Conductor's Baton Used by Cab Calloway
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Conductor's Baton Used by Cab Calloway

Artifact IDMO 1987.25
Object Type Baton, Conductor's
Maker
Dateca. 1941
Mediumpaint on wood
Dimensionsoverall H 26 3/16 in x W 1/2 in (66.5 cm x 1.3 cm )
Physical DescriptionA long, thin, tapered conductor's baton with a white painted shaft and a black painted handle. A hand written inscription in black ink on the shaft, near the handle, reads: To / Franklin D. Roosevelt / From / Cab Calloway.
Historical NoteThis autographed conductor's baton was sent to President Roosevelt on July 15, 1941 by the famous American bandleader, jazz singer, and entertainer, Cab Calloway (1907-1994), who was celebrating his 10th anniversary as a bandleader. The baton was the one Calloway had been using since he started as an orchestra leader, and he considered it his most cherished possession. In his letter to FDR, Calloway writes that he is sending the baton "as a token of my expression of admiration for your sterling leadership in the affairs of the United States of America and your position and efforts towards the restoration of peace in Europe and Asia."
Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGift Items and Commemorative Artifacts (National Archives Identifier 782690)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
CopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Related Links