Records of the Past
I asked if I could put a few boxes of old 78's out there. They were definitely not rock & roll. But I thought maybe people who were interested in records may find them interesting.
Turns out I was wrong. Not a single 78 was sold. They all got carried back into the house after the sale was over.
I decided to go through some of the records and put a few on the antique phonograph. I love the sound of good old scratchy recordings from the past! Some of the sleeves are very pretty, although not in very good shape.
Here's my phonograph, a tabletop model from the early 1900's. It needs to be hand-cranked in order to play.
The manufacturer is "Davis Phonograph Company" from Chicago. I didn't find any references to this company anywhere on the internet.
I bought a little tin where I keep my needles. The needles have to be changed often to prevent the records from scratching.
Here's a great classic from John McCormack called "Roses of Picardy." I just love the way he rolls his "R's!" I recorded this earlier today. Enjoy!
P.S., You will need to turn off my background music ( at the bottom of my page) in order hear this!
Labels: Antiques, Cleaning, Entertainment, History
22 Comments:
Oh, I would have been in heaven with the 78's. I love my victrola and play it often. One of my favorite pieces broke about 12 years ago, Red Silk Stockings and Green Perfume. I'm manic trying to find another copy. LOL Hope the sale was a huge success and the kitties look very pleased with themselves. Sea Witch
Hi Sea Witch-
I will keep an eye out for that one whenever I go record hunting! Do you remember who performed it?
Cats in cardboard boxes... they always amuse me! :-)
-Pam
What fun! I purchased an old phonograph floor model that requires hand cranking too several years ago at a garage sale. It works beautifully but I need some new needles - but I just keep putting that off. Anyway, I had boxes of old 78s that I was going to play on it and have yet to find them. (Sweetbrier's not that big of a cottage so who knows where they are hiding).
Anyway, at least you can still enjoy yours!
Sweetbrier-
I hope you find your 78's soon! If not, I have plenty I can send you (and extra needles to spare as well). :-)
-Pam
I'll bet there are a bunch of ephemera lovers out there who would LOVE the paper covers of all of those records!
Cats are the best helpers, aren't they. =^..^=
Diane
Wish I could have swung by your sale. I might have picked up a few albums even though my player is not working at the moment. It was working just fine until one fine day when I discovered the manual for my model online. I begged my hubby to oil it as instructed and wouldn't you know it? Now it won't play! Well it does but it sounds like it's dying. Oh well, maybe we can get it fixed someday soon. Take care!
Val
Hi Diane-
The paper covers are very pretty, but most are in VERY poor condition. That's a good idea, though.
Cats are excellent helpers! Especially when it comes to boxing things up! :-)
-Pam
Hi Valerie-
Oh, that's so sad! You were trying to keep it in good condition, and that's the thanks you get! I hope you can get it in working order again soon. :-(
-Pam
I love the old Victrollas! You have such wonderful Victorian treasures-it's always so much fun to visit your blog:).
Blessings,
Kim
Hi Kim-
Thank you! I think we like a lot of things in common. I'm so glad you're back to blogging! I'm really enjoying the new house pics. :-)
-Pam
Pam, I had a 6tall victrola wind up and Records 78's like Galligar and Sheen, Mario Lanzo, Al Jolson.
These Records a real collectors Items.
Great blog
Yvonne
Hi Yvonne-
I have a few very old 78's of Mario Lanza. He had a great voice! I'm glad you liked the post. :-)
-Pam
Oh, love the cats being cats, we are here to entertain them..lol...great post, loved the video!
*M*
Hi Marcie-
Yup, in our house, if there's something new to sit on, in, or inspect, the cats are right there.
Glad you liked the video!
-Pam
wow this is an amazing collection! You really shou;ld consider posting this on Vintage Thingie Thursdat at
http://coloradolady.blogspot.com/search/label/Vintage%20Thingies%20Thursdays
She wouldlove it as would other bloggers!
Terry
Hi Terry-
Thanks! I'll have to check that out! I have never participated in any of the blog "days" before. :-)
-Pam
I love the Victrola and the graphics on the records. I would think the music would scare the cats.
Postcardy-
No, they're just too curious to be scared by much of anything (except maybe the garbage truck!)
-Pam
Very cool! I love your tabletop phonograph. We have one that's a cabinet style from 1916-1917. I was lucky enough to find a whole box of old records for it at an estate sale. I need to get some new needles for mine so I can play some of the records. It's been awhile!
BTW, love the picture of the cats "helping". That happens in this household too!
Hi Katie-
There's just something about old phonographs that always fascinated me, ever since I was little. You're so lucky to have a cabinet style model!
Yes, the cats are very "helpful," aren't they? :-)
-Pam
Thanks for stopping by my blog last week - I'm a little late at checking yours out but I have to say I love it. I just read through some of your older posts. Fascinating story of the Eastland disaster and love your photography skills. Not loving your new yard sculpture though.
Did you do the graphics for your background. I love that owl paper and buttons. It fits the theme of your blog so much!
Hi Pam-
Welcome! I'm glad you're liking my posts! I'm behind in looking at others posts, as usual, and I'll have to look at more of yours... I love the garage sale treasures you've been finding!
Yes, I put together my blog background. It's a sample of real Victorian wallpaper, and my favorite Victorian doorknob pattern "Broken Leaf." I'm glad you like it!
:-) Pam
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