Larry Cervi, Pittsburgh State University Drum Major, 1955-57. He earned a full scholarship to the university. He was quoted saying he “started out as a twirler and became the drum major for the next three seasons.” Larry Cervi (1936-2026) Larry Cervi died on January 29, 2026, two days...
Black History Month Feature February marks the 100th Anniversary of Black History Month. Thi is a perfect time to visit the story about Alice Williams, the would-be NFL majorette shunned due to race. In June 1959, the influential Black newspaper Pittsburgh Courier published a pointed story asking...
Among the most iconic mid-century American pin-up artists, Gil Elvgren had a gift for turning everyday moments into playful, idealized snapshots of charm and confidence. His Baton Twirler from around 1955 captures that spirit perfectly: Equal parts showmanship and innocence, a celebration of the...
Ewing Galloway, a New York–based photo agent active in the early to mid-20th century, played a key role in shaping how Americans saw both modern culture and small-town traditions. Among the thousands of images distributed through his agency were photographs of drum majors and majorettes leading...
Lincoln School Majorettes including Jeanne and Liz Logan, Springfield, Missouri, 1954. Lincoln School Majorettes, 1953 Lincoln School Marching Band, 1953 Lincoln School Marching Band, 1949 Lincoln School Marching Band, 1949
A baton twirler perfoms on a baseball diamond at the Kiwanis Park in Brookefiled, Illinois. The year was 1950. She was not identified by the curator. Posted with permission. Source: Brookefiled Historical Society Here is another archive from the Brookefield Historical Society. Twirlers celebrate...
Judy Elsenbach was a majorette at Franklink High School, Portland Oregon. On November 28, 1958, she marched in the Fairy Tale Parade. Baton high over head she wore ear muffs and fur-trimmed boots and skirt. Nancy Gilbertson wore a Frosty the Snowman costume as she marched in the Fairy Tale Parade....
68 Years Ago Today Child baton twirlers march at a Democratic party campaign parade during a political rally for Adlai Stevenson, Chicago Stadium, November 3, 1956. Source: University of Chicago
Dorothy “Dottie” Grover, the Syracuse University Baton Girl whose performances captivated football crowds from 1949-1953, was one of the most recognizable collegiate twirlers of her era. She died just five years ago, on October 10, 2019. She was 90. For generations of Syracuse fans,...
Vivian Wingard Washington was born on February 6, 1933, in Columbia, South Carolina She was the daughter of the late Booker T. and Mable Collins Wingard, and the widow of Frank B. Washington, her beloved partner for 71 years. She departed this life on July 9, 2024. She attended the public schools...
Mamie Allen | Brighton High School, Jefferson County, Alabama, 1950s. Miss Cole (Possible first name: Jean, Jessie or Dorothy) Brighton Hight School Majorette, Jefferson County, Alabama, 1953-1956.
