The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

As this message was posted at such a late hour I fear I misworded my post and must alter it.
Dear fellow members of the forum,
My name is Justine and I am the organizer of a group called the Delaware Valley Ladies and Gentlemen Society. My group is hosting our first public event on 22 May 2010, a Victorian picnic. We were hoping to find an external horn disc phonograph to grace the event with it's beautiful antique music although the cost for an original is beyond our means.
If there be any members who are local to the Philadelphia area and would possibly consider attending the event accompanied by your machine for the afternoon your rescue would appreciated more than words can say. If you may be able to assist us please contact me to discuss further the pending details of a transaction as we do hope to create as fair an exchange as possible for your time and generosity.
I thank you all so much for your time.

Kindest regards,
Justine J.
DVLGS Organizer
http://www.DVLGS.org

Unfortunately, I don't have a machine that you all can use, as I am currently in the process of liquidating most of my collection, but I would suggest that you not limit yourself to external horn machines. Hopefully someone on the group here is willing to help you out with a nice tabletop!

The event might prove to be an ideal venue to introduce people to the world of phonographs and vintage recordings.

Justine; first of all, your society sounds like a delightful idea. I hope your picnic is a success, and if I lived nearby I would love to join your group.

If a phonograph doesn't become available, consider live music. Live musicians are certainly more in the period, since phonographs didn't become common until the Victorian era was nearly over. You might canvass your group and see if there aren't some volunteers who can play the flute or violin or guitar, all portable and popular instruments in the late 19th century. There may be some people who could sing a few songs. You may be able to put together an ensemble, or make up a programme for an informal musicale as part of your event. They were a popular form of entertainment back then.

You should contact the Mixed Pickles Vintage Dance Co. http://www.mixedpickles.org/home.html
I'm certain they'd know someone with an available phonograph, or a source of period music. The company sounds very much in line with your interests.

Bump