The talking machine world (Jan-June 1922)

10 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD April IS, 1922 llllllllil Arranging a Patriotic Program and Window Display for Decoration Day By W. Bliss Stoddard I pMiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiim Memorial Day now comes with an added significance, for not only are the heroes of 1861 commemorated, but the brave boys who fell in France in the great world war. The flag they fought to save has always been regarded as the most appropriate symbol for the Boys of '61, so the American Legion has adopted for its departed brothers the scarlet poppy, taken "From Flanders' fields where poppies bloom." There are very few lines that can be advertised with good taste on Memorial Day, and in most instances it will be found more effective to have simply a patriotic trim. But there is always one line that can be played up to good advantage, and that is talking machines and records. Stirring martial music and hymns of thanksgiving for peace will be rendered in thousands of homes, so it is entirely proper to suggest the purchase of talking machines or records for the 30th of May. The Lion Co., Toledo, O., gave a regular patriotic concert the Saturday preceding last Memorial Day. They distributed to all a program bordered with red and blue, and had previously announced the concert in the newspapers. The program was divided into three parts, featuring the songs of '61 — "Marching Through Georgia," "Tenting on the Old Camp Ground," "Rally Round the Flag"; songs of the Spanish war — "Down in the Harbor of Havana," "Break the News to Mother," "Just as the Sun Went Down," and those of the World War — "Keep the Home Fires Burning," "Over There," "It's a Long, Long Way to Tipperary" and "Flanders Field." As each record was pla3^ed on the machine the young woman in charge of the concert gave a short talk on the origin of the song and some llllll!llilllllll!lllllllilllllllllllllll!IIIH thing of the composer. At the conclusion the entire audience was invited to join in the singing of "America." Copies of all the pieces played were kept in a small cabinet near the machine and at the conclusion salesmen were on hand to attend to any customers who wished to make purchases, and to demonstrate other patriotic records which had not formed a part of the concert. The} naturally arranged a window to assist in giving publicity to the concert, and this had a III ■ Talking Machines and m | Records Offer Excel m B lent Opportunities for J ( Interesting Patriotic | ■ Displays in Windows W large flag covering practically all the rear wall. In the center was a tripod formed of guns, backed with a flag and topped with a wreath of black foliage and red poppies, with a card "Decoration Day Offer — Five Dollars Cash will place any Victrola in your home now — Balance in small monthly payments." Across the floor extended a long white mat with border of red and blue, on which a number of patriotic records were laid. Here, too, were a number of small Victor dogs SEND FOR YOUR SAMPLE TO-DAY j Mr. Victor Retailer — Would you spend 15c to bring a customer into your store and keep your name constantly before a Victrola owner? We'll say you will! That is why we will send you a free sample on request of our Advertising Sales-Building-Record Brush. YOUR ad inserted without extra charge. KNICKERBOCKER TALKING MACHINE CO. • Victor Wholesalers 138 West 124th St. New York City with a card: "You have heard of the 'Dogs of War' — Here are the Dogs of Peace." An interesting collection of battle relics, helmets, field glasses, boots, card cases, etc., were shown, as well as the Vernon McCune Post flag presented to the company by the Women's Volunteer Relief Corps. Several other interesting Memorial Day displays of talking machines were shown by firms in widely separated parts of the country. The Byron Mauzy Co., San Francisco. Cal., showed on a platform draped with a deep blue cloth three machines, to the central one being attached a large wreath of glossy leaves and palm branches, from which extended long, broad streamers of red, white and blue ribbon. Against the platform was a gilded card lettered in black: "War Songs Are Memorials — They are preserved for all time on Victor and Columbia records.'" Behind the card was placed a couple of American flags. At either side were records arranged in a rack in pyramid form, back of the topmost record in either rack being placed a pot of Easter lilies. At one side, on the floor, was a Victrola with a motor attachment, which rendered over and over one of the patriotic songs, the music being wafted through the open doorway to the crowds passing by. Goldsmith's, Columbus, O., was another merchant who featured Memorial Day talking machines. On the pearl gray wall were appliqued eagles and shields. At one end was a talking machine draped with a large flag, beside which was a Victor dog and a basket of ferns and red and white carnations. A card beside the machine suggested: "You will find many records here suitable for Decoration Day." At one end were several portable machines topped with small flags, and a card suggested: "No camping trip, outing or vacation is complete without music— A portable talking machine will furnish you with all music at all times." Forming a border around the floor were scores of the tiny Victor dogs, used as desk weights. Schmelzer, Kansas City, Mo., had a display that appealed especially to those who had lads in the American Legion. On the wall in the center was a gilded eagle holding a red, white and blue shield, with smaller shields on either side. Below them hung the pennants in the form of American Legion badges, while on the floor were replicas, nearly two feet in diameter, of the American Legion button. Bunting was draped throughout the window. Back to the Pacific Coast again: The Bon Marche, Seattle, Wash., had a window backed with a large flag. At either side were placed Yictrolas and in the center was a pedestal draped with a flag and topped with a gilded eagle. Strewn over the floor were a number of patriotic records — "America," "Star Spangled Banner," "God Be With Our Boys To-night" and others. Tall cards of green lettered in gold, leaning against the Victrolas, contained the slogans: "Let's Keep the Old Songs Alive," "These Songs Gave the Boys Their Fighting Spirit That Won the War" and "You Should Have These Records in Your Collection." A large card in the center bore a score of martial songs and marches, and a vase filled with red, white and blue flowers gave a finishing touch to the display. BRUNSWICK MUSIC SHOP OPENED Allentown, Pa., April 1. — An attractive Brunswick establishment, to be known as the Brunswick Music Shop, was opened here recently at 49 North Tenth street by L. C. Clark. The room for the display of the Brunswick line of machines is fitted out in a modern manner and several sound-proof record demonstrating booths have been installed.