The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1906)

48 THE TALKIiSG I^IACHINE WORLD. COMMERCIAL TALKING MACHINES AT THE BUSINESS SHOW. The Handsome Exhibits Made by the Columbia Phonograph Co. and National Phonograph Co. Attracted Large Crowds and Splendid M issionary Work*Was AccompI ished. The National Business Show, which has been one of the leading features at the Madison Square Garden, opening October 27. brought Durand, the manager of the Commercial Department, he being ably assisted by M. B. Elliott, district manager for New York; N. R. NATIONAL PHOXOGRAPH EXHIFSIT JX FOSEGROrND. the commercial talking machine into greater Compton, district manager for Philadelphia, Pa.; prominence than ever before, the displays of G. R. Harris, district manager for Boston, Mass., both of the leading companies being extremely and William Wadams, manager of the installa IIIE ri.iI.rMEIA PHOXOGRAPH attractive, and amazing the business men with their possibilities as time and labor savers. The display of the Edison Business Phonograph, manufactured by the National Phonograph Co., occupied a prominent position in front of the main entrance, and at once arrested the attention of the visitor. One of the unique features of this large and beautifully arranged exhibit was one of the original phonographs built by Thomas A. Edison nearly thirty years ago, placed in juxtaposition to their latest models. Pretty and expert operators demonstrated how the typewriter could receive dictation, and crowds of interested people were always in evidence. The display was in charge of Nelson C. CO.'S BOOTH. tion department. New York. These gentlemen were kept busy from the time the show opened in the morning until late at night explaining the workings of the Edison commercial system, and they feel that the results achieved well paid them for their trouble and expense. The exhibit of the Columbia Phonograph's Commercial Department in spaces 88 and 89 was always crowded with visitors, who at once became interested in the workings of their product. Their 1907 model, which was recently described in The Review, was the cynosure for all eyes, and its extreme simplicity and portability were commented on favorably. A force of handsome young ladies operating on a number of these machines showed them in actual operation, and many of the spectators dictated letters and messages which they quickly transcribed. The exhibit was in charge of J. W. Binder, manager of the General Commercial Department, and his assistant, Mervin E. Lyle. As expert demonstrators, there were present Walter H. Bedard, manager of the Commercial Graphophone Department, of Atlanta, Ga.; Richard Faulkner, manager of the Commercial Graphophone offices, Philadelphia, Pa.; William P. Hopkins, a member of the systematizing staff of Stephen T. Williams, of the New York Life Building, New York; H. M. Nicholson, manager of the New York uptown Commercial branch; John G. Williams, New York city salesman, and F. M. McClintic, who for a number of years held the world's championship for the most accurate and rapid transcript of the Associated Press matter received by telegraph. In conjunction with these exhibits the Telegraphone, that remarkable invention whereby speech is accurately recorded on a fine wire by electricity, came in for its share of attention. The possibilities of this instrument have not as yet been fully developed, but from what the public was able to see, they were fully convinced of its great merits, and saw for it all of the great future prophesied by its promoters. They had two machines at work, one being intended for commercial purposes and the other as an attachment to a telephone. The exhibit was in charge of Willard M. Miner, who ably demonstrated the workings of the machines, and interested many in the matter of investment in the stock, so that the company might be still further exploited, and an adequate plant established. Both the Edison and Columbia managers made some very good sales to representative concerns during the course of the show, and have several deals in abeyance, which, when they materialize, will do much toward bringing the commercial talking machine into greater prominence. HUMAN SIDE OF BUSINESS SHOW. Interesting Contribution by the Observant J. W. Binder Who Discusses IVlen and Things. There was much more to the Business Show in Madison Square Garden than machines, systems, signs and electric lights. Each of these was extremely important and extremely interesting, but by no means the "whole show." In an event of this kind one must look"* beyond the external for the true "motif." This will be found in the individuals constituting the everchanging throng that filled the aisles of the big show place. THE INEW Imperial Records RECORDED IN EUROPE rr.ers"„"ccTs's $1-00 and $1.50 Each Sr.ND TO DAY FOR CATALOGUE LEEDS & CATLIN COMPANY New York