The Edison phonograph monthly (Jan-Dec 1914)

EDISON PHONOGRAPH MONTHLY, APRIL, 1914 11 THE EDISON DISC JOBBERS' ASSOCIATION THE formation in New York last month of the Edison Disc Jobbers' Association has aroused great interest on the part of Edison disc jobbers and dealers throughout the country as marking a distinct forward step in the presentation of the new Edison product to the trade and to the public. Organized by a group of jobbers recognized as representative of the most substantial and best element of the trade, the new association has impressed the trade with its importance, with the result that those Edison disc jobbers who were unable for one. reason or another to attend the sessions in New York last month have been quick to advise the officers of the organization of their interest and desire to become affiliated with the body. The result of concerted effort on the part of the Edison disc jobbers throughout the country in presenting the new disc proposition to the dealers and to the public is evidence in the wonderful success that has attended the campaign up to this point, both in the matter of signing up dealers of standing and also in reaching the retail buyers. In all this, the jobbers and the factory have worked together, following the meeting of the Edison disc interests held in New York last fall, and the value of a permanent organization for the discussion and development of campaigns and for taking up any other matters of interest and importance to the trade at large is to be appreciated. The association is headed by H. H. Blish whose company, Harger & Blish, of Des Moines, la., has for years been a recognized factor in phonograph circles th-roughout Iowa and a large section of the Middle West. F. H. Silliman, of the PardeeEllenberger Co., New Haven, Conn., and Boston, Mass., one of the most active figures in the trade throughout New England, and H. G. Stanton, the secretary, is with the R. S. Williams & Sons Co., Ltd., Toronto, Ont. C. B. Haynes, head of C. B. Haynes & Co., Richmond, Va., and the vicepresident of the association, is one of the pioneers in the trade in Virginia and the Carolinas and enjoys an enviable position in that field. In addition to the four officers named, the executive committee includes Laurence H. Lucker, of the Minnesota Phonograph Co., Minneapolis, Minn.; C. E. Goodwin, of the Phonograph Co., Chicago, and B. W. Smith, of the Phonograph Co., Cincinnati, Ohio, all men of recognized standing in the industry. THE AWAKENING OF AN EDISON DISC DEALER F. Meyers of Meyers Music Store, Carlinville, Illinois, narrates his experience in becoming an Edison Disc Dealer. FOR several months I had been contemplating taking on the Edison Disc Phonograph, but owing to the hard times here, caused by three consecutive crop failures I hesitated to do so. Just before the Christmas holidays a lady called at my store and expressed a desire to get one of the Edison Disc Phonographs about which she had read. This was the evening of December 16th. Early the next day I took the train to St. Louis to place an order with The Silverstone Music Co. I decided to order one each of styles 375, 250 and 150. Mr. Silverstone telegraphed for my qualifications to act as a disc dealer, to the Edison factory at Orange, N. J. As soon as the answer came, I ordered the style 375 shipped by express, immediately. It arrived next day, and was sold within a few hours after arrival. That was sale No. i. My next experience was when an old customer came in and I played for him a few selections. He was delighted, and returned next day with his son, and together they heard it again. He immediately gave me his order and exacted a promise from me that I would have it delivered at his house the day before Christmas, without fail. That was sale No. 2. The next day after the above customer called, I heard that the I. O. O. F. Lodge was considering one, and I immediately followed up this prospect and sold them the 150 style. That was sale No. j. All three sales had taken place in about a week, right before Christmas and every one of them — for I have called on them since — is perfectly delighted. As to my personal opinion of the Edison Disc, it is hardly worth while to take space to express it, as better judges than I have said what I can most heartily and sincerely approve. Every one that loves music will certainly enjoy this, the latest and greatest of Edison's accomplishments. It reminds me what our great German poet said: "Where one sings gladly Rest there in confidence." R. S. Williams & Sons Co., Limited, celebrated their 65th anniversary on Jan. 20th, 1914, by a special musical program and an "at home" reception. It was the anniversary also of .their first year in their new store. PIANOS AND PHONOGRAPHS THE day is not far in the future when every piano dealer will also handle phonographs. The latter have been brought to such a high state of perfection that most homes which have pianos are coming to demand them. Music teachers recommend phonographs for the voices of the greatest and best singers are reproduced without a flaw. The phonograph used as a supplement to the piano serves as an inspiration to the beginner in music when the best class of records is purchased.