Vintage Twirler Blog
The Vintage Twirler Blog is the comprehensive collection of all posts on this site. A team manages the site. Consequently, we publish posts quite frequently. These include photo essays and single, iconic images; original interviews; memoirs; testimonials; tributes; memorials; obituaries and more. In addition, all posts have an overarching category, the link for which appears in the dateline of each post. At the end of each post are tags. These are much more specific to the post. For example, “1940s” is a category while “World War II” is a tag. Basically, users can explore content by clicking on various categories and tags. Have fun exploring!
The Heated Baton by Carter M. Hanna (1961)
In 1961, the U.S. Patent Office issued a patent for one of the more unusual inventions in baton twirling history: a heated baton. The invention, patented by Carter M. Hanna of Burbank, Ohio, was designed to help majorettes maintain finger dexterity during outdoor...
ISO Vintage Majorette Costumes by Taffy’s
The Vintage Twirler is seeking to purchase a small number of high-quality vintage majorette costumes manufactured by Taffy's for an exhibit we are curating. We're especially interested in well-preserved uniforms with original labels, hats, boots, accessories, or...
Homage to the Hoop Baton: A Patriotic Tradition That Once Filled America’s Parade Routes
The history of the hoop baton stretches back to the early twentieth century, when performers blended baton manipulation, hoop rolling, and juggling into crowd-please acts. All across the United States, they entertained audiences at carnivals, circuses and vaudeville...
USA Goals: Speak Up for the Community You Want
Every community has challenges worth solving and opportunities worth pursuing. That’s the idea behind USA Goals, a new initiative inviting Americans to share what matters most where they live. Every goal submitted helps paint a clearer picture of the priorities that...
A Baton Twirler and His Dog, Circa 1952
Today's Vintage Twirler Photo: A Baton Twirler and His Dog. This photo, which is available on eBay, was taken around 1952. No other information is available. This is a scan of the original Below is a version restored with AI tools and software. Which do you prefer?
The Liberty Belle Majorettes and Drum Corps of Howard County
For more than two decades, the Liberty Belles Majorette and Drum Corps of Howard County, Maryland, introduced hundreds of young people to baton twirling, marching, music and performance. The organization became a familiar sight at parades, community celebrations and...
What Baton Twirling Patents Tell Us About the Evolution of the Sport (Paywall)
Get access to our post, "What Baton Twilring Patents Tell Us About the Evolution of the Sport" when you become a paid member of the Baton Twirling Preservation Society. The cost is $5 a month or $50 a year. Also, don't miss our new page, "Baton Twirling Equipment,...
Road Trip! The Best Route 66 Stops for Baton Twirlers
Twirl Across the Mother Road Every summer, thousands of baton twirlers and their families pack the car and head for competitions, camps and clinics. Some travel a few hours. Others drive halfway across the country. If your trip takes you through one of the eight...
Warren Bass Honored with AIDS Memorial Quilt Block
To commemorate Pride Month and celebrate the life and legacy of Warren Bass, The Vintage Twirler is releasing this Special Edition commemorative sticker. This exclusive collectible sticker is available FREE to members of the Baton Twirling Preservation Society....
1968 Baton Twirling Log
Twirling Log Before computerized rankings and online registration, baton twirlers tracked their competitive progress with small record books like this Official NBTA Twirling Log for 1968. Issued by the National Baton Twirling Association, the pocket-sized booklet...
At 16, Baton Twirler Katherine “Kitty” Clark Left Indiana to Join the Circus
Edward Frye, a circus fan from Minnesota and Kitty Clark, August 1941, Madison, Wisconsin (Source: Milner Library, ISU) This photo has been enhanced with AI tools and software. See original below.During the late 1930s and throughout the 1940s, Katherine "Kitty" Clark...
Miss Majorette of America: Can Baton Twirling Parlay Its Ceremonial Past Into an Athletic Future?
Mazy Arizona Ruise
Mazy Ruise: From Trailblazing Majorette to Dance Industry Leader When Mazy Ruise joined the Baker County High School majorette squad in Macclenny, Florida, she made history as the team's first Black majorette. Her journey was not always easy, but it would ultimately...
Meet Dr. Wendy Vacari-Seay, Former SCSU Feature Twirler and Founder of Twirl Girls Youth Camp
Grace, determination, and a touch of royalty. With her championship trophy at her side and a queen's mantle flowing behind her, Wendy Vacari Seay stands as a shining example of the artistry and excellence that define baton twirling.Georgia's Youth on Parade Champ...
The Strangest Accidents, Crimes and Tragedies in Baton Twirling History
This post is behind a paywall. Click to subscribe and read it on Substack. Click here to view the excerpt.
The Majorette Art Exhibit You Probably Missed
This post is behind a paywall. Click to subscribe and read it on Substack.
Twirlers Help Publicize Lions Club Broom Sale (1951)
Today's Vintage Baton Twirling Photo is of a Glendale Lions Club broom sale promotion, 1951. Joann Cave and Pollyann Basford, baton twirlers wearing tap shoes, pose with brooms to help publicize an upcoming Glendale Lions Club fundraiser. Lions Clubs across the...
Dottie Dunston School of Dance and Baton
Dottie Dunston: A Jersey Shore Original Dorothy "Dottie" Dunston was one of the most influential baton twirling instructors on the Jersey Shore during the Golden Age of baton twirling. A performer, teacher, judge, pageant director, and school owner, Dunston spent...