The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1916)

THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD 89 The Trade in the South TRADE BOOMING IN THE SOUTH Crop Conditions Excellent in Most States, Though Floods Have Done Some Damage — Increasing Demand for Machines and Records Talking machine business in the South continues to show a very favorable trend despite the fact the summer season usually brings a cessation of activities in almost every line of business. Aside from the growing popularity of the talking machine, the enhanced prosperity of the South has greatly increased the number of people to whom a talking machine is now a necessity rather than a mere luxury. The agricultural and industrial conditions in the South as a whole are very promising. Crops are in good shape in Virginia and most of the wheat and oats have been cut and have shown a bountiful yield. Corn is making a fine showing, the same condition prevailing in West Virginia, where the setback to the corn crop which occurred in the early part of the season has been entirely overcome. In Kentucky the outlook is very bright. The hay crop was excellent and the corn and tobacco prospects are very rosy. The yield of wheat is not as high as was expected but the quality is excellent. Unusually good prices are being offered for live stock. The recent weeks have brought a great deal of rain in the South, which, on the whole, has been beneficial. In Tennessee, however, there has been little rain, and while the cotton crop is good, the corn crop would be greatly benefited by more rain. Prospects of a good crop of cotton in Texas are excellent. There have been good rains in the southern section of the State although the Pan-Handle complains of some drought, which is not serious, however. Crops are better in Louisiana than for several years. Cotton is in full bloom and the corn crop is excellent and is practically made. The erection of a large packing house at Statesboro, Ga., which is in the center of the finest agricultural section, and for which a contract has recently been completed, will greatly stimulate the production of live stock. Heavy rains in the southeast section have reduced crop prospects somewhat. The corn crop, especially, will suffer, and the cotton crop will show a decrease, but conditions on the whole are fairly good. The situation in Alabama is not as favorable as might be wished. The heavy rains and floods did considerable damage, although the crops on the highlands are excellent. Increasing indications of diversified farming are seen on every hand, which will enhance the future prosperity of the State. Unusually good crops are reported from the northern section of Mississippi. In other sections of the State the outlook is not so good, as thousands of acres of corn and cotton have been ruined by the water overflow. Continued prosperity is shown in the manufacturing centers throughout the entire South and unemployment has been greatly diminished. The people generally are making more money than they have for some years past, and they are evincing their love for music, which is characteristic of them, by investing a fair proportion of their earnings in musical instruments. Talking machine distributors in every section of the country report a demand which has actually resulted in a shortage of goods. There is an excellent call for the better class of records and the average price of talking machines sold is much higher than formerly, all of which indicates prosperous conditions in the talking machine trade, and bright prospects for a continuance of the same in the future. ORIGINAL ADVERTISING WINS How the Victor Department of the RhodesMahoney Co. Has Increased Its Business Chattanooga, Tenn., August 1. — The Victor talking machine department of the RhodesMahoney Furniture Co., of this city, which is under the capable management of H. G. Ray, is one of the most enterprising in the South. Advertising in the local papers is a favorite means of concentrating attention on the establishment, and a recent ad, which called attention to the resources of this department, its offer of one year's service on any Victrola purchased, with an expert mechanic at the buyer's service, has been no small factor in the growth of the business. A recent advertisement which contained pictures of the various styles of Victrolas and portraits of Manager Ray, Mrs. L. R. House, in charge of the record department, and J. B. Wilbanks, of the repair department, has come in for considerable praise. In this connection Mr. Ray remarked: "This campaign of advertising has more than doubled our business, and has caused considerable comment because of its originality." It is worth noting that concerns that do advertise in this original way win out. TRADE CONDITIONS IN SAVANNAH Savannah, Ga., August 1. — Trade for July and August in this locality is usually rather quiet while the cotton is in the making, for most of our people are either at the seashore or in the mountains. While there has been considerable damage to some of the crops in the Southwest and Northern Georgia by recent floods, yet this immediate vicinity has not been very seriously (Continued oh page 90) t ( JUST OUT! A Winner of Trade — Where-ever Displayed" Corley Victrola Carrying Case Sells like "hot cakes" — every owner of a Victrola IV will want one ! Will increase your sales of machines. Pays the dealer a good profit! As handy to carry as a suit case — as strong and durable as a trunk. Fills a Long-Felt Want! 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