The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I received the latest "The Antique Phonograph" today. Great reading as usual! I especially liked the article about the Edison Gems and it brought back memories of my sister-in-law's grandfather who was born around 1888. He lived in New York City and as a young man worked for a company that made various spun brass items including Phonograph horns. He worked in the shipping department so he didn't actually make any horns himself. He had a great many friends at that time and spent many hours listening to an Edison Gem and singing along to it. He said that it was loud enough to hear it in China! My brother and I played him a good number of two minute Edison cylinders and he could sing along to every one and even asked if we had specific ones. Regarding the relatively high cost of the Gem, especially for people just entering the workforce, only one member of his group actually owned the Gem and the other members would each buy cylinders to play on it and they would get together to share the music.
Our hobby is so fortunate to have so many knowledgeable volunteer researchers and writers who generously give countless hours to make so much information available to us.
Dan Zalewski

I hope to get both physical copies of the March and June TAP Sent to my current post office box, since I no longer since August 2024 reside at the address I originally had them sent to. In march when I renewed my APS Membership I hope the changes I made to the address was saved.

Dan, Mark isn't able to sign into the forum, but asked me to share this response (pasted below) for him. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the June issue!

Dan,

Thank you for your kind words about my Gem article in the June, 2025 issue of The Antique Phonograph. As a writer, I always wonder what readers think about my work. We don’t often receive feedback and It is nice to know you appreciate the time and effort that goes into researching and writing the articles.

While you enjoyed my article, I enjoyed learning about your sister-in-laws grandfather and his experiences listening to a Gem and sharing cylinders with his coworkers in the shipping department. Information like that brings the article to life. The fact that only one of them owned a Gem and the others bought records to share affirms my research that Edison phonographs were an expensive item for the average worker. It is so cool that you had an opportunity to hear his story directly from him and listen to cylinders with him. Love the fact he knew all the words to the songs. In closing, thanks again for your feedback, you made my day. Take care, my friend.

Mark

Hi Mark and Nathan,
I know I don't respond with appreciation nearly enough for all I have gotten from the work people have done over the years in researching and writing about our hobby. I won't mention anyone in particular for fear of omitting someone, but I think everyone knows who they all are. When I first started getting interested in antique Phonographs, there was so very little available anywhere to piece together a full understanding of the Talking Machine industry. And, it is fascinating how much information is still being uncovered.
Thanks again,
Dan Z.