The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

This morning our 2.2 year-old grandson was adamant in his desire to revisit the phonograph collection. I had been putting him off since Christmastime, so up we went. True to form, he wanted to hear records on several machines, but now he's definitely more interested in the machines' workings than the music. In the past, he liked a Credenza, but after half a record, we went on to a Sonora William & Mary, then a Model D Gem, then a B-250, then a VV-XVI - - all abandoned after about half a record. A Rosenfield Illustrated Song machine caught his eye, and I knew he'd like that. Yes - we had to watch the gears, chains, and other machinery cycle through twice (no interest in the record of course). When he asked for a third rendition, I grabbed an Eagle Graphophone. Oh boy... Spinning governor weights and gears! After "Forest Whispers" had played for a minute, he pointed to the speed control knob and said, "I use it," which is his way of asking. I told him to go ahead, and he enjoyed watching the difference in the governor's motion. Then I showed him the brake, and he really went to town - all very gently and respectfully. He was interested in the lid latches, and once I told him about the lid he replied, "Want lid." Rather than digging out the lid for that particular Eagle, I grabbed another Eagle. Soon he was doing a circa-1900 DJ thing with the two Eagles. We spent about a half hour just watching those motors running and winding them up again and again.
He didn't want to go downstairs for snack time, but I promised him we'd go back up when he visits next time.

Bless him. He's going to need some serious funding soon when the collector in him really clicks!

That's wonderful! I wish I could get my granddaughters to pay more attention to my phonographs. They loved dancing to the Charleston played on my Victor 6 when they were younger, but now that they're 6 and 8 they've lost interest in that activity. They do like playing my Wurlitzer 750 jukebox, however, so maybe there's still hope. (The oldest has a favorite record on there -- "Paper Moon.")

What a wonderful grampie you are!

I love it, George!! He'll be restoring machines by the time he is 6. My 37 year-old son has a VV-VI that he "helped" me restore when he was 6. We had great fun.

The grands are great fun. My 4 year-old granddaughter isn't so interested in the actual mechanisms yet-- but loves to sit with me while we play songs on the Spider-leg X and the player piano- Her favorites are Christmas songs-- and the ultimate favorite is "That's Annabelle" by The Harmonians on the Harmony label--- We sing the words together-->
"if you see a girl who's twice as pretty- As any other girl in the great big city-- You'll know, That's Annabelle"... etc-
We also have a different "Annabelle" song on a piano roll-
Did I mention that my granddaughter's name is name is Annabelle? I'm always on the look-out for Annabelle items (NOT the horror doll!) Also looking for Nora items for another granddaughter who isn't quite one yet.

I know you and Barbie are enjoying every minute with your little grand!

Brad Abell

Thanks for all the nice comments. I think I have as much fun as Henry does - although the wonder in his eyes is something to see.

Our son (Henry's dad) enjoyed a Victrola IX when he was about three, but the virus never took hold the way I hoped. He turns 40 this year, so I've given up hope for him. However, 9 days ago Henry's baby sister arrived. Starting in June, we'll have her 4 mornings a week along with Henry, so maybe she'll get the bug. We can play My Lovin' Henry for one and You're the Flower of my Heart, Sweet Adeline for the other.

George