The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

OrthoSean wrote:

estott wrote:Bryan made a few cylinders, I've got a copy of "The Labor Question" on an Edison Gold Molded. Taft also did a series around the same time- 1912. Bryan's Gennett discs turn up on occasion, sometimes with other labels such as Silvertone.

The Bryan and Taft Edison cylinders were all made in 1908, Bryan made 10 and Taft 12. They're all compiled on the great Archeophone release called "Debate '08". Yours truly just picked up a mint (and it really is MINT) copy of Bryan's "Imperialism" on Gold Molded 9920. It was listed on eBay by a seller who didn't photo the cylinder, just a generic "box shot" with a $30 buy it now, describing it as excellent, but "possibly with scratches". I took a chance, figuring the buyer protection would cover me if it turned out to be junk. It looks like it's never been out of the box. I'm pleased!

Sean

Sorry I got that date wrong- I don't know where my brain was at.
Sounds as if you got an excellent deal.

I have always enjoyed the quest for historical recordings. Here are a few from my collection that have not yet been shared here. Hope the image orientation for the images is correct. Thanks Bruce for the great thread. I'm pleased that this one was resurrected. - Doug

Here's one of the records by the Hoosier Poet James Whitcomb Riley. I have always been a fan of his work, which is , simple but not naive. When I was teaching I used to use Riley to counteract the perception that accessible poetry is somehow inferior poetry. His sentiment is honest and quite heartfelt. Pity he recorded when he was old and unwell. This side is almost inaudible at the end.

Political/Spoken word records are some of my favorites as I love hearing voices of famous historical figures from the past. One of my rarest records in this category is a Blue Amberol with Thomas Edison speaking about the Electrip Ediphone, followed by Nelson Durand, the head of the Ediphone division. I believe it was recorded in 1917 and Mr. Durand says this is the first record containing Mr. Edison's voice to leave the factory ever.

It also has the orginal lid. Does anyone else out there have one or know anything more about it?

The other important record is I believe Charles Edison talking about the 50th anniversary of the phonograph and then references the Ediphone. It was recorded in 1927.

Scott

The Ediphone BA is fascinating and I would love to hear it. Is it the standard Blue Amberol thread or is the 150 grooves to the inch Ediphone version? I'm attaching a pic of Nelson Durand as he was in 1906. This is of course from the Edison Phonograph Monthly. I believe the 1927 issue is at 150 threads, is it not?

Jim

The Edison cylinder is at 150 TPI and I currently play it on my Edison Business Phonograph. I don't have a recording of it, but it really is an amazing record. Edison talks about prosperity and growth for the Ediphone to his dealers. Nelson Durand talks about Edison and his famous quote of Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.

OK her eis mIne

This is the only record I have that relates to this topic.
Mahatma Gandhi (Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi), recorded in Kingsley Hall, London 1931

During his stay in England in 1931, when the Columbia Gramophone Company requested him to make a record for them, Gandhi pleaded his inability to speak politics, and added that, at the age of sixtytwo, he could make his first and last record which should, if wanted, make his voice heard for all time. Confessing his anxiety to speak on the spiritual matters, on October 20, 1931 he read out his old article (1928?) "On God".

There is an indefinable mysterious power that pervades everything, I feel it though I do not see it. It is this unseen power which makes itself felt and yet defies all proof, because it is so unlike all that I perceive through my senses. It transcends the senses.

James.

Does Santa Claus qualify as an historical figure??

This record could also be listed in the other thread about the creepiest recordings... though it may not be morbid as some listed, if I were a child listening to it, I would be frightened of both Santa Claus and my phonograph!

Well, it was hard to avoid duplicating what's already been posted! Here are some more...

George P.