The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Last October, I purchased a box lot of misc. phonograph parts and accessories. Along with this was a small container of cylinders wrapped in a cloth. Upon returning home I unloaded everything, set the box of cylinders up on a shelf, and promptly forgot about them. I "rediscovered" them this afternoon and when I unwrapped the cloth I realized there were 9 home recordings! I just finished listening to them - a nice variety of guitar, piano, violin, and vocal arrangements; but the last one gave me quite a shock. It's announced "By Frederick W. Foote... recorded on August 2nd 1918" - exactly 100 years ago TODAY! What are the odds???
I just made a hasty You-Tube video so you can enjoy it.
Regards, Bill Meyer - Syracuse N.Y.
[YouTube] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUI9QXiflZM [/YouTube]

http://ascobill.wix.com/edisonphono

That's pretty incredible! Unfortunately your Youtube link doesn't work for me.

Sorry Rene - I had the video set to private. I've just changed the settings to unlisted. It should work for you now.

That is very cool!

TinfoilPhono wrote:That is very cool!

EXCELLENT! A perfect preserved slice of recorded time. Sounds like people goofed around with cylinder blanks (given the background chat) like we did on the early wire, reel to reel and cassette recorders--"Is That Me?....."Do I really sound like that?....HA"

Early home recordings have been a favorite of mine. The best and the earliest I ever found was announced that it was recorded May 10, 1893. The gentleman speaking would talk to the phonograph like it was a person and then in a different voice answer his questions.


Chuck

Very cool - - and what a coincidence!

George P.

Very Cool!

I enjoyed it!


)

Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer