Sunday, August 29, 2010

Records of the Past

Records that didn't sell... and cats

This weekend, my husband Terry had a garage sale with a theme: Rock & Roll. He was doing some major housecleaning and decided to get rid of a lot of his old vinyl, 45's and cd's, plus vintage publications and anything music related. The cats did their part, of course!

Boxes full of 78's

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.

Roses of Picardy

Turns out I was wrong. Not a single 78 was sold. They all got carried back into the house after the sale was over.

Davis Phonograph Turntable & Stylus

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.

Columbia record

Brunswick Record

Victor Record

Here's my phonograph, a tabletop model from the early 1900's. It needs to be hand-cranked in order to play.

My Davis Phonograph

The manufacturer is "Davis Phonograph Company" from Chicago. I didn't find any references to this company anywhere on the internet.

Dusty manufacturer's label

I bought a little tin where I keep my needles. The needles have to be changed often to prevent the records from scratching.

Tin of 78 needles, cover

Tin of 78 needles

Speed dial

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!



John McCormack and Victrola recordings

Labels: , , ,

22 Comments:

Blogger Sea Witch said...

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

August 30, 2010 at 5:17 AM  
Blogger Pam of Eastlake Victorian said...

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

August 30, 2010 at 7:13 AM  
Blogger The Sweetbrier Cottage said...

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!

August 30, 2010 at 6:11 PM  
Blogger Pam of Eastlake Victorian said...

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

August 30, 2010 at 8:58 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

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

September 1, 2010 at 5:48 AM  
Anonymous Valerie said...

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

September 1, 2010 at 3:23 PM  
Blogger Pam of Eastlake Victorian said...

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

September 1, 2010 at 8:02 PM  
Blogger Pam of Eastlake Victorian said...

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

September 1, 2010 at 8:06 PM  
Blogger victorian parlor II said...

I love the old Victrollas! You have such wonderful Victorian treasures-it's always so much fun to visit your blog:).

Blessings,

Kim

September 2, 2010 at 2:03 PM  
Blogger Pam of Eastlake Victorian said...

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

September 4, 2010 at 9:50 PM  
Blogger La Petite Gallery said...

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

September 6, 2010 at 6:46 AM  
Blogger Pam of Eastlake Victorian said...

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

September 7, 2010 at 7:57 PM  
Blogger The Rustic Victorian said...

Oh, love the cats being cats, we are here to entertain them..lol...great post, loved the video!
*M*

September 8, 2010 at 5:31 AM  
Blogger Pam of Eastlake Victorian said...

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

September 8, 2010 at 7:16 AM  
Blogger Terry @ La Bella Vie said...

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

September 8, 2010 at 8:40 PM  
Blogger Pam of Eastlake Victorian said...

Hi Terry-

Thanks! I'll have to check that out! I have never participated in any of the blog "days" before. :-)

-Pam

September 8, 2010 at 10:40 PM  
Blogger Postcardy said...

I love the Victrola and the graphics on the records. I would think the music would scare the cats.

September 9, 2010 at 7:27 AM  
Blogger Pam of Eastlake Victorian said...

Postcardy-

No, they're just too curious to be scared by much of anything (except maybe the garbage truck!)

-Pam

September 9, 2010 at 9:41 AM  
Blogger Katie@LeBeauPaonVictorien said...

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!

September 9, 2010 at 8:34 PM  
Blogger Pam of Eastlake Victorian said...

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

September 9, 2010 at 11:44 PM  
Blogger Pam Kessler said...

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!

September 13, 2010 at 7:55 PM  
Blogger Pam of Eastlake Victorian said...

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

September 13, 2010 at 8:24 PM  

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home