The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1914)

THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. 37 The Victor Co.'s Royal Entertainment. Members of Jobbers' Association Taken to Philadelphia as Guests of the Company for an Entire Day of FestivitiesAttended Interesting Baseball Game and See the Champion Athletics— Brilliant Banquet and Entertainment on Roof Gardens of Bellevue-Stratford Completes Enjoyable Day. (Special to The Talking Machine World.) Philadelphia, Pa., July 9. — The word "royally" has been used on many occasions to describe happenings of particular splendor, but the word has seldom been used with greater accuracy than in describing the manner in which the Victor Talking Machine Co. entertained the members of the National Association of Talking Machine Jobbers and their families who were the all-day guests of the company yesterday. From the time the jobbers and their families boarded the special train at Atlantic City at ll a. m. until they left for their respective homes this morning, every detail had been planned for them and .set forth in a cleverly conceived time-table, illustrated with humorous sketches and which provided for every hour in the day. There was nothing left to guesswork. When the guests of the company arrived at the P>ellevue-Stratford Hotel they found rooms assigned to them and their baggage carefully placed therein as the result of forethought of the Victor officials, and other carefully thought arrangements for their comfort and peace of mind were in evidence throughout the day. Upon arrival at the hotel an elaborate buffJt luncheon ,was served in the Clover Room, a luncheon thoroughly delightful in every detail. The party next entered automobiles, over fifty of them, flying the Victor pennant with the famous dog prominent thereon and started for Shibe I 'ark, where the famous Philadelphia Athletics of the American League and world's champions for l!M">, were scheduled to cross bats with the Detroit Tigers and face the peerless Ty Cobb. A large section of the upper grandstand of the park had been reserved for the Victor Co. guests, and a large fign running across the front of the stand proclaimed the fact with the Victor dog, highly magnified in profile board, prominent in the center. Before and during the game the jobbers were entertained by the playing of the Victor M'litary Band, which made its first appearance in public on that occasion. As the lively music was rendered between the innings, visitors kept time with the music by waving the Victor pennants with which each one had been provided, and the general effect was most beautiful. That baseball is the national game was never more thoroughly demonstrated than by the jobbers. Men from Maine and Texas, from Tlinois and Florida, vied with each other rooting for one or the other of the teams and in giving advice to the players in the recognized manner. The Athletics cleaned up with a score of 3 to 0, probably in honor of their distinguished guests, and immediately after the game the party was whisked back to the hotel to prepare for the elaborate entertainment of the evening. It is probable that never before in the history of the trade has there been such a brilliant banquet tendered to its members, for the famous facilities of the Bellevue-Stratford were drawn upon to provide dinner and service measuring up to the exacting demands of those in charge of the arrangements, though the dinner itself was but a section of the program. Each guest found at his or her plate a beautifully engraved menu and program in book form and for the ladies there were also provided handsome bourpiets of flowers. The menu was as follows : Clover Club Cocktails Crab Meat Flakes Cocktails Consomme Bellevue, Whipped Cream on top Relishes Salted Almonds Pecan Nuts Celery Barsac Oliyes Boned Brook Trout, Saute Meuniere Cucumber Salad, Pink Dressing Moet & Chandon White Seal — Cup Filet Mignon, Oriental Young Lima Beans Kirschwasser Sherbet Cold Pressed Rouen Duckling in Jelly Hearts of Lettuce Salad Coupe aux Peches, St. Jacques Flutes Macaroons Cigarettes Cigars Liqueurs Special Coffee During the banquet the diners were entertained by a vaudeville bill of exceptional excellence, supplied by professionals of reputation in the "big time" and who included Walter C. Kelly, "The Virginia Judge," and one of the most popular nionologists on. the stage ; "The Five Seminary Girls" ; Mile. Meserau, Parisienne danseuse ; several comedy and cabaret acts and other features of high class, inc'uding selections by the Neapolitans, a capable quintet of instrumentalists and singers. Cablegram from Eldridge R. Johnson. Just as the guests were seated Louis F. Geissler, general manager of the Victor Co., read the following cablegram from Eldridge R. Johnson, president of the company, who is at present in London : "The' Victor Co. has now reached the enviable position when it has the right to expect the respect and confidence of the trade. Tell our guests that my greatest ambition is for the Victor Co. to maintain that position and to continue the prosperity of all concerned with it in Victor policies by fair dealing. I congratulate you, the Victor organization and jobbers, on a splendid half year. Our business will prosper as we deserve it." Mr. Johnson's message was received with great enthusiasm by the jobbers, and the following answer was cabled from the banquet hall to Mr. Johnson : "E. R. Johnson, Gramophone Co., London : "From the dinner table at the Bellevue-Stratford, the National Association of Talking Machine Jobbers sends to you best felicitations, and wishes for your continued good health and prosperity. "George E. Mickel, President." (Continued on page 38.) View of the Banquet Hall on the Bellevue-Stratford Roof Garden When the Victor Program Was Being Carried Out and Mile. Meserau Was on the Stage. In the Center of the Room Will Be Seen the Neapolitan Orchestra Which Was Taken from New York for This Special Occasion,