I guess it is not too unusual to find an Edison Victrola in most museums, but it may be rare to find one that works. I always find it amusing to demonstrate this Victrola to school kids and even some younger adults, because they are so amazed to hear “music from a machine with no batteries, electrical components, or electronic speakers.”
Remember when you would just ‘wind it up” with a crank, and, if you were lucky, you would hear the entire song before you had to crank or wind the spring again?
The record I play is an old Al Jolson tune (remember him?).
This particular Victrola was a 1914 model and came to the museum through the Ester Stephens Estate. The next time you visit the museum, ask me if you can the Edison Victrola. I love to demonstrate it!
Jim Wetzel
Director, Delta County Historical Society and Museum
(970) 874-8721
Linda
