The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1914)

42 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. SSB5 The Trade In Philadelphia And Locality (Special to The Talking Machine World.) Philadelphia, Pa., October 8.— There is a diversity of opinion as to the talking machine business in Philadelphia during September. Several of the firms have had a better business than they enjoyed during September of 1913, while others say they have not done quite as well, and attribute their lack of success to the two spells of exceedingly hot weather that were encountered during that month. When the weather was cool business was good, but the life went right out with it when the heat attacked the city. Dealers Generally Optimistic. The dealers are quite optimistic as to the fall and winter trade, and already they believe they see signs of active business. They are all buying heavily, not only in machines, but in records, dance records still having the call, as evidence is shown that there will be no lessening in this popular Largest Stock of Victor Records and Victrolas in Pennsylvania Orders Filled IMMEDIATELY Upon Receipt Give Us a Trial and be Convinced. Perm Phonograph Co. 17 South Ninth Street Opposite Post Office PHILA., PA. amusement because the dancing schools are filling up earlier than usual. Edison Latest, the "Telescribe," Shown. Thomas A. Edison's latest invention, an instrument for the recording of telephone conversations, was demonstrated in Philadelphia last week by Nelson C. Durand, of the Edison laboratory, of East Orange. The demonstration was made at the warerooms of Louis Buehn, 825 Arch street. Mr. Edison calls this instrument the "telescribe." It is connected with an ordinary desk phone and transcribes conversations to a dictating machine, where they are recorded on a wax cylinder after the manner phonograph records are made. The telescribe was described in The World last month. Mr. Buehn had sent out a number of invitations to prominent firms in this city to see the demonstration of this new invention, and there was a good representation present. Louis Buehn Reports Improved Business. Louis Buehn reports that his business has been very satisfactory, and it was infinitely better in September than it was last year. He enjoyed an increase of at least 50 per cent., a great deal of which was machine stocks anticipating a big holiday business. Mr. Buehn's personal opinion is, however, that while the dealers generally are making extensive preparations for a big trade, he is of the opinion that we are not going to have such a big retail business as some may expect. Machines, Mr. Buehn says, are coming in very fine and, in fact, the companies are sort of swamping the jobbers. Records are also coming in very much better. He says the dance music still has a strong hold, but aside from that he believes there will be little sold but the Red Seal records. Dance and Classic Records at Heppe's. The past September was as good as last year at C. J. Heppe & Son, says Manager Elwell. He says the machines from the Victor are coming through all right, but the record stocks are a little slow. He says it looks as if the dance records were going to keep up, but that there is also a great amount of classic stuff selling. Harry Cake Safe Home from Europe. Harry Cake, of Pottsville, who handles talking machines in that city, was in Philadelphia on his way home from Europe. He has some interesting experiences to relate, having been caught in Ger many at the outstart. He was very seriously handicapped in getting accommodations and getting away, for the reason that his "talking machine" money was no good and that they even gave him no opportunity to spend any of it. He was helped out, however, through the Cook's Tourist Agency. Big Stock on Hand at Gimbel's. Gimbel Bros, report that they have about run even with last year in September. They have at present a larger stock than they have ever before carried in the history of their department, which indicates that they take an optimistic view of conditions. Their biggest business in records at present is for the dance numbers. Some Original Advertising Matter. Messrs. Blake and Burkhart, who conduct the Edison Shop at Eleventh and Walnut streets, are getting out some innovations in advertising matter in the way of circulars, of envelopes and of wrappers. Everything that goes out from the store is labeled "The Edison Shop." Both members of the firm were in East Orange last week and spent some time going over the factory. They have taken on a new salesman, Horace G. Bentley, who will be an outside man. In every delivery they make they place considerable advertising matter. Have Handsome Warerooms. The Talking Machine Co. on South Broad street has its warerooms completed, and the large marble stairwav leading from the first to' the secc id floor is very attractive and lends an imposing appearance to its otherwise very handsome warerooms. Lively Demand for Columbia Line. Manager Eckhardt, of the Pennsylvania Talking Machine. Co. — the Columbia jobber of this citysays that his house had a very remarkable increase in business in September, and that it has "a lot of good meat stirred up for this month." Thus far it has gone ahead every month this year, notwithstanding that its business last year was most gratifying. "Fortunately," says Mr. Eckhardt, ""we have not discovered that there is a war going on. If you will allow it to interfere with your business it is going to do so, but I made up my mind I would do all my war talk at home, and when I left home I would shake it off, and I have asked all my people to do the same." Mr. Eckhardt says that he has been' having a (Continued on page 43.) ICTOR A complete line of Victor products, from the smallest repair part to the biggest model of machine. Every shipment made promptly. DISON Cylinder goods, machines and records; full stocks and immediate deliveries. A good popular-priced line for most any territory. Louis Buehn Philadelphia