The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi all,

For the last couple of years, I've been researching the ins and outs of the Albany, NY area record and phonograph dealers and such. I've accumulated quite an amount of newspaper articles and just a couple of photos of local dealerships. I have everything related to my area saved from the Talking Machine World online archives and I know the Voice of the Victor often featured blurbs and sometimes photos of various stores / dealers / jobbers both inside and out. If anyone out there has anything they could share a high quality scan of to me related to the Albany, Schenectady, Troy NY area from any VOTV, I would be very appreciative. These will be used in articles pertaining to the businesses associated with my area that will eventually be posted online for anyone to read, including here, if anyone would be interested. A few local dealers and jobbers for Victor were: Finch and Hahn, Gately-Haire (both jobbers), WJ Killea, The Strand Temple of Music, Boardman and Gray, McClure and Dorwalt (or Cowles), Thomas Music Store and George A. Young. I'm particularly looking for Gately-Haire, Killea, and Strand materials most importantly for articles that are either complete or very close to it. Please PM me.

Thanks in advance to anyone who is willing to take the time to check their issues and help!

Sean

Sean,

I'm sorry I can't help with The Voice of the Victor, but when you're ready to have your article published, I hope you'll consider allowing the Antique Phonograph Society to include it on its website.

George P.

Of course I would! Over the last few years I've been researching the business in this area and the people who were behind them. I've uncovered some very interesting things about what went on here and how. We certainly had some characters in the business who practiced, shall we say, less than ethical doings. I am still finding new things as my search continues. For example, the Indestructible / Federal Record Factory was never shared with a shoe factory as has been published in at least a few sources. I've not only got a photo of the original factory building, but much more history about the factory and the fire than I've ever seen published in any books. My fascination with all of this as I keep digging continues to grow. Stay tuned....

Sean

That sounds pretty interesting, Sean.

It occurs to me that a number of collectors might be interested in writing up the histories of talking machine businesses in their hometowns. I've run across some interesting material on a few Rochester NY businesses without really trying. If I put some effort into it, there might be enough to comprise an article with illustrations. Perhaps we could have a whole series of articles posted on the website dealing with the talking machine activities in various cities around the world!

George P.

I would certainly be interested in reading about how other areas did what they did! Most of what I've found has been the result of searching for other things also and. Fellow local collector estott last night alerted me to an Edison Tone Test photo on page 240 of Frow's book that I'd seen several times, but NEVER noticed it was taken in Albany. This has sparked yet another search which I'll be collecting more information on as time allows. I'm hoping once things settle down after the holidays to be able to really start pulling things together. I'd like to have things available someplace where they can be updated as more things are discovered. I did a small post on one of our local dealers in a Facebook group over the summer, for example, but since then, I've uncovered an enormous amount more about him, his Victor dealership and his reasons for closing up shop around 1930 - the Depression had nothing to do with it.

Sean

I agree. I've found artifacts from different dealers in various states, and on occasion I've dome some Googling to learn more. Sometimes there isn't much of interest, but occasionally there's quite a story, along with photos of dealerships and/or buildings. For those like you, Sean, who have an interest in their local history, this would be a great opportunity to share it.

There are a couple of big advantages to publishing articles on the Antique Phonograph Society webpage. First, space is almost unlimited. (Imagine trying to fit the last couple of Wakeman articles into the journal - - it would take a couple of years!) Second, the articles can always be amended. I've already added 2 or 3 names to the article on Off Brand Talking Machines at Mr. Wakeman's request.

I think this would be an interesting project, and nearly every collector could participate if he/she desired.

Worth considering...

George P.