The talking machine world (Jan-June 1919)

60 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD May 15, 1919 THE GRAMOPHONE'S "RECORD" Autobiography of a Machine That Cheered the Soldiers on. the British Front The following brief, although interesting, "autobiography" of a war-time gramophone was recently contributed to the Daily Express of London, England, and is worthy of repetition: "Has nobody a kind word to say for the gramophone's 'little bit' in the war? "As a veteran gramophone myself, I think it is hard that we who have sung and played the music of home to our fighting men should ourselves remain unsung and unhonored. "Look at me — a soldier's gramophone and honestly proud of myself. Perhaps I'm getting a bit wheezy in my motor, but it is surprising how a few new records even now will act as a tonic on one. I have been up the line with the boys, and count my scars as honors. I've played 'Destiny' in a dugout an hour before zero time, and then again the same evening in what had been a German trench. "I had a short spell in a base hospital once, and have seen faces drawn with pain break into smiles as I gave them the music that reminded them of home. It was here that I was paid a great compliment. 'Sister' said: 'Well, I always hated gramophones, but now I see I didn't understand what they meant. Since this instrument came the dear fellows all seem twice as cheerful and bright. It has proved the doctor's best friend.' "What a tribute, eh? "No one had to persuade me to play. It did not matter to me whether it was an excerpt from a Beecham opera, a Guards band selection, an old-fashioned ballad, a Pachmann pianoforte solo, or the latest comic song. Whatever it was, it was 'Blighty' music for some one, and I was there if I was wanted. "Some of the records got a bit scratchy and worn out, but that again only went to show how my music was appreciated. And while I've got a motor that will hang together I ask nothing better than to keep on keepin' on alongside of the boys who have made the world a fit place to live in. "Afterward? Well, they can scrap me and welcome, but I fancy after what my fellow gramophones and I have done out here there will be a warm corner for us in many a thousand hearts and homes wh.en we all get back again." THE KAY TALKING MACHINE CO. New Concern Chartered to Take Over Retail Business of Blackman Talking Machine Co. Among the recent incorporations chartered under the laws of New York State was the Kay Talking Machine Co., which is the name of the company that took over on May 1 the retail business formerly conducted by the Blackman Talking Machine Co. at 97 Chambers street. New York. As noted in last month's World the latter company will do a Victor wholesale business exclusively beginning May 1. Louis Kay, one of the veterans of the Victor industry, who has purchased the former Blackman retail business, is head of the Kay Talking Machine Co. The recent announcement that Mr. Kay had purchased this business has resulted in his receiving hundreds of letters of congratulation from his friends in the trade throughout the country. PATHE EXHIBIT GREATLY INTERESTS One of the attractive exhibits at the annual show opened recently at the Twenty-third Regiment Armory, Brooklyn, N. Y., under the auspices of the Brooklyn Engineers' Club, is that of the Pathe Freres Phonograph Co., Brooklyn, N. Y. This show is one of the most important industrial events that is held in Brooklyn, and the exhibitors include the leading manufacturers in that borough. The Pathe "Actuelle" has won the enthusiastic admiration of visitors at the show, and a complete line of Pathe phonographs is a center of attraction. The exhibit is in charge SNOWED UNDER Since introducing our Simplicity Electric Motor we have received a tremendous volume of orders from all parts of the country. We are increasing our factory facilities materially, and hope to "catch up" with our orders in the very near future. The "SImplieily" Electric Motor is automatic. Electrify your Edison — Victor — Columbia. Write for dealer proposition Shelton Electric Co. 16 East 42nd Street New York 30 East Randolph Street, CHICAGO of O. M. Kiess, field supervisor of the Pathe Freres Phonograph Co. 3-Ply V eneer Packing Cases THE IDEAL BOX FOR YOUR PHONOGRAPH CABINETS 3 Ply Gum Panels and Trunk Stock If you will advise inside measurements of the case you are now using with approximate weight to be carried, we will be glad to figure with you THE EMPIRE MFG. CO. GOLDSBORO NORTH CAROLINA