The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

In deep rural areas, such as this one in far northern Wisconsin, cylinders lived on in daily life long after they had faded away in urban areas. This was taken in April 1937 by photographer Russell Lee for the Farm Security and Resettlement Administration. It carries the description: "Bureau in the bedroom of the house occupied by the Ingrahams and the Smallwoods near Nelma, Wisconsin." The house was actually a small, cramped log cabin.

Of course, this was only 8 years after Edison stopped making Amberol cylinders, so it can be argued that this wasn't taken too long after they were obsolete. But in the late 1920s cylinder sales were minuscule, which is why the mid-5000 series Blue Amberols are so rare and coveted today. I doubt the Ingrahams and Smallwoods were listening to the latest hits of 1929.

If you look closely that is one of the later model 30. Probably mid 1920’s.

It has the much simplified cabinet compatible with machine sanding.

Nice.

James.

PS: Even then the top grille is missing.

I love period pictures- Given the bedroll and denim work jacket and other items on the floor, and missing knobs and broken mirror on the dresser, I suspect these families lived a pretty austere existence-- With the top grill missing and the lid support gone, I'd guess this Amberola was salvaged somewhere-- perhaps from a trash pile-- so these families could provide themselves a little entertainment. If only these machines could talk Oh, wait! They do!

Brad Abell

They must have been pretty popular in Nelma WI. Population: 17