The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi Forum! Besides the day, a teacher from my school collects HMV & Pathé imported phonographs. He knows I own a Victor as well, and thought about creating a school club. Another Forum member & friend of mine hunted for a couple people that would join also. Now, that leaves the question, what exactly would we do at this club? If anyone has ideas reply, I usually say I'm creative but my battery is out.

Also, I know this isn't in the right board, but, I didn't see a better option.

m_nakamura wrote: Sat Apr 05, 2025 5:38 pm Hi Forum! Besides the day, a teacher from my school collects HMV & Pathé imported phonographs. He knows I own a Victor as well, and thought about creating a school club. Another Forum member & friend of mine hunted for a couple people that would join also. Now, that leaves the question, what exactly would we do at this club? If anyone has ideas reply, I usually say I'm creative but my battery is out.

Also, I know this isn't in the right board, but, I didn't see a better option.

When there used to be a Michigan Antique Phonograph Society, (a.k.a. MAPS), we met monthly, usually at member's homes, and someone put on a program, usually consisting of historical talks/presentations on recording artists of the era, or of phonograph restoration. There were also themed "record spins" where members would bring & play records from their collections. Twice a year we would have a silent auction. It was great. Lots of fellowship and conversation in addition to the phono & music related talk.

That sounds fun!! Why don't you guys do it anymore?

- Videos/Talks
- Presentations
- Record Spins
- Auction (if our school allows it)

m_nakamura wrote: Sat Apr 05, 2025 8:03 pm That sounds fun!! Why don't you guys do it anymore?

- Videos/Talks
- Presentations
- Record Spins
- Auction (if our school allows it)

The membership aged and there were no new folks who would take over club leadership roles. Eventually, MAPS was merged with CAPS(?) to become the current Antique Phonograph Society, (APS). Going to the large, really international, organization took away the "local" nature of MAPS and things just faded away. Even though MAPS was a nationwide club itself, (at one time with nearly 1000 members), most activities occurred in or near Lansing, MI. In later years, there were chapters in Indiana and Wisconsin and maybe elsewhere. I don't know if APS has "chapters".

I would really encourage you to pursue this. I believe that far more people would be involved in this hobby and the music related to it, if they just knew about it. Your club could do just that! The nice thing about this hobby is that you can spend as much or as little money as you like and have the same amount of satisfaction & fun. Most records are cheap and the machines can be had for under $100. Far cheaper than a smart phone

LINK:

https://antiquephono.net/regional

Rod,

There really is no such thing as MAPS any longer, unfortunately.

Greetings,

I am the Regional Society Liaison for the APS. There are eleven regional societies throughout the United States. APS supports societies and keeps them current of APS events and activities.
It was 50 years ago that collectors in Michigan formed MAPS and collector’s still get-together, but not on a formal basis. The consolidation of MAPS and CAPS has made one great organization, and I highly recommend that any collector join APS for the incredible journal printed four times a year, access to the research found on the website and supporting the two great EXPO events held in the Midwest and California. Join by going to their website at: www.antiquephono.org

Should you have any questions regarding forming a club I would be happy to help you. The benefits of sharing your passion for collecting and sharing information are positive reasons for starting a club.

I Look forward to assisting anyone who is interested in growing our hobby by organizing a local phonograph society.

Joan Rolfs

is there a phonograph society for the Westchester or lower new york area?

There is also CAPS, the Canadian Antique Phonograph Society.

It holds in person meetings in a Toronto suburb, but the meetings have Zoom links, and so can be attended from anywhere--sorry--no donuts and coffee with Zoom attendance . There are presentations on a wide variety of topics. The last meeting had two great presentations, one on changing/servicing motor springs, the other on reconstructing the lost technique of painting horn flowers. There is an auction--very low prices for the most part. There is an opportunity to ask if people can help you find parts or records. Etc. Most of the people who attend are Canadians, but there are international members, as well.

https://www.capsnews.org

Membership is inexpensive. There are two options: a membership with a paper copy of the magazine at $40 CDN (or $50 CDN/$40 USD interntationally) and a membership with a PDF copy of the magazine at $20 CDN (about $14 USD at today's exchange rate).

https://www.capsnews.org/subs.htm

Or course, the primary focus is on Canadian product, machines and records, but that focal point is rather small in comparison to the wide and rambling scope of interesting topics addressed.

The group is a low key, friendly, helpful lot.

It offers a chance to make contact with other collectors and tap into their knowledge and experience which most certainly is not limited to Canadian product.

All interesting things!! My mom doesn't approve of an APS membership sadly.

I'm still searching for people that would be interested in the club, I'm not a great artist but I might try and make a flyer/poster?