<©£ EDISON PHONOGRAPH MONTHLY Volume. X IV Scanned from the collections of The Library of Congress AUDIO-VISUAL CONSERVATION at The LIBRARY cf CONGRESS ^ *. JL Packard Campus for Audio Visual Conservation www.loc.gov/avconservation Motion Picture and Television Reading Room www.loc.gov/rr/mopic Recorded Sound Reference Center www.loc.gov/rr/record EDISON Phonograph Monthly EXACT REPRODUCTION By Wendell Moore First Edition October 1989 1916 -VOLUME XIV NUMBER 1 BOOK NUMBER fjQO (j)uAJUA7tft '&O^JU- v.fy fib (Late summer 1989) This is a bittersweet time in my life - by that I mean that in my 29 years of collecting I have had all the highs and lows that collectors ex- perience, but none of the highs approach the one I experienced the day that I uncovered the full set of the Edison Phonograph monthly bulle- tins. Now, after 3 years of planning and 13 years of printing, E.P.M. is a completed set. It has not been easy, quite exasperating — and most of you, I'm sure, at one time or another, have given up on ever seeing it finished — but here it is! In retrospect, conditions did deteriate so badly at times that comple- tion was in doubt — but problems kept being solved and books kept being printed and now we are seeing the end of the tunnel. It was once described by another publisher as being an "Ambitious project" — well, he was quite right — moreso than I knew at the time. There was one life saving element in my favor though — all you guys that were willing to stand up and be counted with me. Your support made all this possible! I have had much help in producing the books also — this Volume is greatly enhanced by Dave Heitz in his allowing us to use the issue of the Edison Works. In this final book, I must stress again the great service rendered us by a man that none of you had the pleasure of knowing-M.A. " Mac" McMillion. I truly hope Mac is in a position to realize what a service he performed in caring for the E.P.M. for those 62 years. Thank you "Mac" - where ever you are. Wendell Moore Wi* EDISON PHONOGRAPH MONTHLY iii VOL. XIV JANUARY, 1916 NO. 1 ^^mmmmm^^^ "WITHIN THE EDISON GATE"— See page 8 Gate to the Edison Laboratory through which Mr. Edison passes daily. Beyond is Llezcellyn Park THE" ED I SON PHONOGRAPH MONTH LY Published in the interest of EDISON AMBEROLA PHONOGRAPHS AND BLUE AMBEROL RECORDS By THOMAS A. EDISON, Inc. ORANGE, N. J., U. S. A. THOMAS A. EDISON, LTD., 164 WARDOUR ST., LONDON, W. ENGLAND THOMAS A. EDISON, LTD., 364-372 KENT STREET, SYDNEY, N. S. W. COMPANIA EDISON HISPANO-AMERICANA, FLORIDA 635, BUENOS AIRES EDISON GESELLSCHAFT, M. B. H. 3 YORKSTRASSE, BERLIN COMPAGNIE FRANCAISE THOMAS A. EDISON, 59 RUE DES PETITES-ECURIES, PARIS Volume XIV JANUARY, 1916 Number 1 U HIGH WATER" MARK REACHED IN TONAL QUALITY IN THE JANUARY BLUE AMBEROLS "Q OMEBODY has been at work," I said ij to myself, as I listened to record after record in the January list of Blue Amberols. Good as the Blue Amberol was, the recording and reproduction have both taken a decided forward step. You cannot listen to these superb records and fail to be impressed that they mark "High Water" in Edison Blue Amberol results. The surface noises are so largely eliminated as to amount to nothing. The voices are clear, distinct and resonant, and wonderfully free from metallic qualities. Take Van Brunt's "My Wild Irish Rose" and you have a record that closely vies with any disc record made; I prefer it to the Edison disc of the same song. It is a wonderful product, so even, so melodious, so clear and so human-like in its quality of voice. I would not want to listen to a better record ; I doubt if any could be as perfect. Mr. Cylinder Dealer, if your prospective customers are not charmed with that kind of a record, they cer- tainly have no ear for music. And to think that they can get it for 50 cents! And so I might go down the January list. The Concert Numbers — just two — are very, very fine. Every record in the list, in fact, makes a strong claim to fine recording and reproduction. One may not like every selec- tion ; that's a matter of individual taste in music; but you can't get away from the fact that the whole list marks a great advance in tonal quality. And then the list itself is a varied one, bound to please every taste. It will pay you, Mr. Cylinder Dealer, to take time to play every record. To observe the improved tonal quality so that you can enthuse over it. "Somebody has been at work" — is at work to-day, and the Blue Amberol is receiving a degree of care and attention that warrants stiK more perfect results. Every step in its manu- facture is being minutely studied, and critical ears — far more critical than yours or mine — are insisting on "results" ; these results are now becoming more and more apparent. The Blue Amberol will put every talking machine on the run for real musical qualities ; for naturalness ; for clear and resonant enun- ciation. Just watch the Blue Amberol improve and improve! It's very much alive to-day, but it has not yet got its gait. Those who are studying it believe they have a good foundation on which to build up a record that will far surpass any talking machine disc on the market. It's got the lead already; now WATCH THE BLUE AMBEROL FORGE AHEAD! EDISON PHONOGRAPH MONTHLY, JANUARY, 1916 From Factory to Jobber and Dealer SOME OF THE GOOD THINGS WE WISH YOU THIS NEW YEAR 1**1 WE wish you A Happy New Year. A Prosperous New Year. We wish you Many new prospects for both instruments and records. We wish you Many fraternal friendships — a closer acquain- tance with other Edison cylinder dealers. We wish you abundant success in your "International Edison Dealers' Association." We wish you the most cordial and satisfactory relations with the Factory and your Jobber. (We will do our part to make it so.) We wish you the enthusiasm and industry of our illustrious head — Mr. Edison. Acquire his habit — the work habit. We wish you a closer acquaintance with your prospects — that acquaintance which ripens into valued business friendships. We wish you financial success in building up a strong and permanent Edison business. Above all we wish you a successful, happy business life in the com- munity where you are engaged in selling Edison goods. HAVE YOU RESPONDED TO THE CALL FOR LOYAL CYLINDER DEALERS? WE printed in the December issue a page of questions for cylinder dealers to fill out and mail to us. Have you done so? If not please send the page today, properly filled out. It will not take you long to answer the questions raised there. This is important! HAVE YOU MADE THE TEST OF TALKING MACHINE vs. DIAMOND AMBEROLA OUTLINED IN THE DECEMBER ISSUE? IN no other way can you so conclusively realize the superiority of the Blue Amberols. It is worth a little extra trouble to feel the glow of satisfaction which will come to you as you listen to the Blue Amberol records included in the test. Try it out ! THE WORD "EDISON" A BUSINESS ASSET ALMOST BEYOND ESTIMATE EDISON jobbers and dealers," remarks a metropolitan publication, "should fully appreciate their position and what their association with this distinguished American means in a business-building sense." If "Edison Day," on October 21st, proved anything at all, it proved the drawing power of the name "Edison." Out at the Panama Pacific Exposition it drew a greater attendance than any day in the entire history of the Fair. We are told that the turn-stiles clicked off 98,492, while the next biggest day's attendance was when Theodore Roosevelt was there. The attendance that greeted him was 95,290, while William H. Taft drew 65,444 and Colonel Goethals 55,468. This was a remarkable red-letter day in Edison history, for it proved beyond a doubt that the name "Edison" has a tre- mendous drawing power. But when to this attendance at the Fair is added the prodigious amount of publicity given Mr. Edison while in San Francisco, not only by the press of that city but throughout the entire country from Maine to California, there is no overlooking the fact that the public generally are intensely inter- ested in Mr. Edison. "The personality of Edison," remarks a metro- politan daily, "is always of interest to the American people, because he is one of them — plain, demo- cratic, intensely human, always a wTorker. He has won it fairly and honorably, by years of toil, by inventive genius, and by marvelous skill in varied lines." Here is a business asset of almost incalculable value. To be associated with such a man of international reputation is to have a share in the general confidence and esteem which is his. "Edison" stands for "worth while." But while there are many concerns bearing the name of "Edison" — such as the numerous electric light companies — the Edison Phonograph jobber and dealer enjoys the unique distinction of being asso- ciated directly with Mr. Edison at his laboratory to-day. As has been pointed out by one metro- EDISON PHONOGRAPH MONTHLY, JANUARY, 1916 From Factory to Jobber and Dealer — Continued politan newspaper reporter, "the source of informa- tion most closely watched next to the White House is the Mr. Edison's Private Laboratory." It is a great thing "to take hold of a business proposition that has the public eye upon it; it is a profitable venture to handle a product that has an Edison reputation, because Edison has "made good" so many, many times. TO THE EDISON DEALER WHO HAS RECENTLY TAKEN ON THE CYLINDER LINE WE desire to extend you a helping hand. Feel free to write us on any point about which you are in doubt. Tell us of your diffi- culties; tell us of your successes; send us photos of your place of business — exterior and interior. We give below, for your guidance, a list of one hundred Blue Amberols that are among those a new dealer should carry in stock from the very start. These are not all by any means, but they are a selected list that will enable you to stock, up with some of the most popular Blue Amberols issued. We propose next month to give another list of one hundred. Study these lists and order a supply of each number at once: DOMESTIC. 1503 1812 2339 2466 2606 1514 1821 2353 2475 2608 1517 1863 2368 2487 2609 1525 1889 2373 2489 2610 1528 1899 2393 2507 2617 1532 1917 2404 2524 2626 1547 1925 2405 2527 2632 1557 1989 2411 2535 2640 1583 2081 2439 2536 2657 1600 2099 2442 2547 2658 1606 2103 2443 2548 2678 1626 2104 2444 2553 2693 1651 2128 2447 2556 2695 1755 2138 2448 2581 2707 1798 2213 2453 2596 2718 1807 2217 2457 2598 2738 BRITISH 23001 23017 23107 23134 23280 23003 23048 23117 23150 23363 CONCERT AND GRAND OPERA 28101 28133 28165 28172 28196 28102 28161 28166 28186 28197 INTRODUCING THE EDISON TO OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES OF GREAT MILLS OPPORTUNITIES for bringing the Edison to large groups of individuals arise in every community. The energetic Edison dealer gets word of these happenings in advance. Right there is the advantage of being on intimate terms with influential members of all kinds of local organiza- tions. The Edison dealer must make himself popular and so get inside information in advance of social and other coming events. For instance he may not be a baseball enthusiast; yet, for busi- ness ends he ought to be so much in touch with the sport as to know of what is going to happen. Such was the case with one of our dealers in a large mill-town in New England. Here was a local organization known as the "Industrial League" composed almost exclusively of mill operators and mill officials and largely centering around baseball. Our enterprising dealer there was alive to the importance of this organization and watched his opportunity to utilize it for exploiting the Edison. At last it came, and he heard of the proposed banquet long in advance and secured the privilege of demonstrating the Edison. EVERY EDISON DEALER SHOULD START A SCRAP-BOOK- SEVERAL OF THEM TOO often things are pigeon-holed and when wanted are hard to find. The successful Cylinder dealer cannot afford to spend time hunting for helpful data. We suggest that he start at once an Edison scrap-book; perhaps two or three. Let one be a scrap-book of "Edison Hints" — that is, items that will be serviceable in helping him to advertise effectively, or to send out result- fetching letters. He will be surprised how soon it will become a great time-and-labor-saver ; not that he ever expects to copy others' work, but that he gets suggestions that help him write new adver- tisements, new letters, new circulars. As the plan develops he will find he needs more than one scrap- book for Edison business. A PLEASING COMPLIMENT I CERTAINLY wish to offer congratulations upon the last two issues (October and Novem- ber) of the Phonograph Monthly. It cer- tainly comes right up to the scratch. It is an issue in our work, capable of firing the energy of all of us to the possibilities contained in the new Edison. I want to be one of the first people to acknowledge this new and admirable force which we have added to our business. "Anyone who would not read these numbers entire and profit by them immensely is not in the Edison business but is conducting an eleemosynary institutions for a class of sub-normals." — M. M. Blackman, Manager of the Phonograph Company of Kansas City. When you have an encouraging item of news pass it on to us so we can tell it to thousands in these pages. EDISON PHONOGRAPH MONTHLY, JANUARY, 1916 Out Among Our Enterprising Dealers IF we don't get around as often as you think we should, don't forget that we are always glad to hear from you and know of any good stunts you have pulled off. Don't wait for us to ask for these ; send accounts of them while they are fresh in your mind. Send us photos of your store, your window, or of any event that you feel we should be interested in. We will be glad to get it; and, if possible, use it. THE PHONOGRAPH STORE OF MEADVILLE, PENNA. LEWIS G. DuVALL, proprietor of this attract- ive store, devotes almost the entire space to Edison Phonographs, although he carries other lines of goods, such as sewing machines, etc. He devotes the front part of the store to the Edison Cylinder line, and one feature quite prominent is a Blue Amberol Record rack fifteen feet long, which holds twenty-two hundred and eighty-eight (2288) records. Right in front of this he keeps a table full of surplus stock records all the time. On this table he keeps also a good many records that are not good sellers. He says one would be surprised at the amount of records he sells from this case to customers who look them over and pick out those they think they will like. This strikes us as an excellent method to work off a surplus stock. When a recital is to begin, folding chairs are called into use, and the sewing machines are moved to one side. By economical use of space some seventy-five or eighty persons can be accommodated. EDISON DEALERS' ASSOCIATION ALL of you have heard about the Dealers' Conference that was held at the Edison Lab- oratories on August 9th and 10th, 1915. Officers were elected as follows: President, Ralph B. Smith, Columbus, Ohio; Vice-President, Harry M. Meyer, Pittsfield, Mass.; Secretary, Gust. Holmquist, Erie, Pa.; Treasurer, D. J. Crowley, Baltimore, Md. Honorary members were elected as follows: Thomas A. Edison, C. H. Wilson, Vice-President and General Manager Thomas A. Edison, Inc.; William Maxwell, Second Vice-President Thomas A. Edison, Inc.; E. J. Berggren, Secretary and Treasurer Thomas A. Edison, Inc.; A. C. Ireton, General Sales Manager Thomas A. Edison, Inc. Thomas A. Edison, Inc., is in no sense sponsor for the International Edison Phonograph Dealers' Association, but it believes that much good can be accomplished by this Association, and, as evi- denced by the fact that its officials have become honorary members, the Company is disposed to work with the Association. Gust. Holmquist, of Erie, Pa., the hustling Sec- retary of the International Edison Phonograph Dealers' Association, has already obtained a large number of applications for membership. If you wish a copy of the Association's constitu- tion, write the secretary. If you have any sug- gestions to offer, write him, but be sure above all things to mail your application with your check for $1, the membership fee. EDISON PHONOGRAPH MONTHLY, JANUARY, 1916 Getting and Holding Prospects WE want to make this one of the most helpful features of the Monthly. It is a broad subject, yet it is specific. Every dealer is vitally interested, for it is the heart of the business. One suggestion prompts another; one experience related calls out another. So we cordially invite every Cylinder dealer to contribute his views and his experiences. It will be a sort of Get-together Round Table. SELL EDISONS TO THE FOREIGN ELEMENT IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD THERE is scarcely one of the larger cities and towns in the United States that does not contain quite a foreign population. Take the little town of Meadville, Pa., for example. There the Edison dealer, Lewis G. Du Vail, has found quite a trade in Edison Phonographs with the better class of Italians. At first one would say he must have Italian records to reach and hold this class of people. Mr. Du Vail has contrary experience, and says they don't care much for Italian records, but buy mostly the American records; they seem to like these the best. He recently gave a recital for his Italian con- stituency and had a fine turn-out of the best class of Italians. The invitation was in Italian. It is a perfectly feasible plan. Perhaps the best way to go about it is to work through the minister of the Italian — or other foreign — church in the neighborhood. In this way the minister can furnish a number of addresses of persons likely to be interested and can probably be induced to attend the recital in person and make a brief address, besides act as interpreter. The same plan could be worked in regard to the German settlements in our cities and towns, or the French in certain cities like New Orleans, Montreal, Quebec, etc., while the Scandinavian people in the Northwest are another class equally approachable. AN EXCELLENT IDEA THE Phonograph Co. of Chicago makes good use of small cards about the size of a No. 6 envelope containing these words: PLEASE ANSWER (One answer sufficient) Did you become interested in the New Edison through our advertising? What paper ? Through a friend who owns an Edison! By hearing it demonstrated at a Church? Club? Lodge? Or special gathering? Or did you just happen to drop in the Shop one day? How, if in none of the above ways? THAT FORD CHECK FOR £50 AND THE EDISON DEALERS WHO WENT AFTER IT. EVERY one knows that Henry Ford, of auto- mobile fame, agreed to refund $50 on the price of every automobile of his make if a certain number were sold up to August, 1915. Harger & Blish, of Des Moines, knew it, too, and planned to get after every Ford automobilist in Iowa. They supplied their dealers with copies of the following letter giving each dealer the names of all Ford owners for miles around: "Who ever heard of Santa Claus making a call in August! Many a time when you were little, you've wished to have Christmas come twice a year and now for the first time in your life your wish has actually come true — Uncle Henry Ford, of Ford Automobile fame, in the role of Santa Claus is going to give you a mid-summer pleasure of finding a Fifty- Dollar Check in your stocking, some morning be- tween now and August 15th. Why not give yourself some added pleasure — with that money. There are rainy days, chilly evenings, and soon will be long evenings when the time drags— rwhat would be more enjoyable then, than to have in your home one of Mr. Edison's Wonderful Musical Instruments. That Fifty-Dollar 'Ford' Check would be a splendid starter." Among others, one dealer received the following reply: "Yours at hand with suggestion as to a proper disposition of $50 Ford rebate. Kindly accept our thanks for same. We have, however, the following uses for this $50 which may be prior claims upon this fund: 1. Finish paying for car. 2. Pay back grocery bills. 3. Pay bank overdraft. 4. Lay in winter's coal. 5. Pay doctor's bill. 6. Pay interest on our notes. 7. Buy new carpet for dining-room. 8. Buy winter wrap for wife. 9. Buy overcoat (self). 10. Have piano tuned and kitchen papered. And 990 others. We have put your suggestion on our list but its number in point of priority is 1001." EDISON PHONOGRAPH MONTHLY, JANUARY, 1916 The Dealer's Window from the Inside and Outside JANUARY DIAMOND AMBEROLA WINDOW DISPLAY NOW that the Christmas and New Year rush is over, let every Cylinder dealer bestir him- self and change his window display. We submit herewith a New Year's design, very easy to make, and effective. The window we have planned for measures four feet deep by seven feet wide, but these dimensions are not arbitrary; you can fit the design to any size window. Amberola 75 is set squarely in the center of the window, well towards the back. A pedestal on each side, 24 inches in height, is used. A piece of colored cardboard is suspended from the front of the pedestal, on which is fastened a Diamond Amberola catalog. Blue Amberol cartons are then piled on step of the pedestal as shown. Right in the foreground notice that the word "Edison" is spelled out on the floor by using Blue Amberol cartons. Twenty-five records are then arranged in a semicircle immediately to the rear of this. Appropriate literature is distributed through- out the display. A New Year Edison W7indow Design for Dealers to Copy Here's the way to go about it: Get a sheet of cardboard 22 x 28 inches. On this letter nicely the New Year Resolution: "Resolved, That I will start the New Year right by installing an Edison Diamond Amberola in my home this year." Place it in the background in the center of the width of the window. A half sheet, as shown in the photo- graph, is for each corner. Between each of these, in the center, is attached another strip of cardboard twelve inches wide. On this strip fasten the hour- glasses, cut out of some contrastive colored paper. The dainty lilac foliage is readily obtained from your stationer. It is used to give a touch of color and liven up the window effect. The Diamond The Window in Outline EDISON PHONOGRAPH MONTHLY, JANUARY, 1916 Within the Edison Gate UNDER this caption we purpose each month to give some interesting items concerning the life "within the gate." Mention will be made of those jobbers, dealers and others who have visited us during the previous month, as far as the editor is able to get their names. And then we want to tell the far-away dealer — the one who seldom, if ever, gets to the Edison Gate — some of the things that he will be much interested to know. From what is said below the thoughtful man will realize that "the new and greater Edison plant" pre- dicted by Mr. Edison the day after the great fire (December 9th, 19 14) is a reality today; that the lessons learned by that fire have resulted in a solidarity of reconstruction that makes for permanency and efficiency. OUR FRONT COVER PICTURE THIS was taken from a point inside the main Edison entrance, directly in front of the Laboratory entrance. We consider it espe- cially artistic, largely due to nature's own handi- work. The way the snow has brought out the vine that trails about the arch is exceptionally beautiful; no artist could have done as well. It reminds one of the embossed work on a handsome silver vase. Through this gate Mr. Edison passes daily on his way to the Laboratory. THE PAST MONTH'S CALLERS THE factory has been favored with calls dur- ing the past month from: A. R. Pommer of the Pacific Phonograph Co. W. O. Pardee of Pardee, Ellenberger & Co. B. W. Smith of The Phonograph Company of Cincinnati, Ohio. R. B. Cope of the GirSrd Phonograph Co. C. B. Haynes of C. B. Haynes & Co. F. K. Babson of the Phonograph Co. of Chicago and G. L. Babson of the Phonograph Corporation of Manhattan, New York. THE FACTORY IN WINTER ATTIRE WINTER in all its old-time glory descended suddenly upon the factory on the afternoon of December 13th. As the night came on the storm of snow and hail and sleet increased in fury. The scene was an impressive one, as the bril- liant lights from the huge buildings stood out in strong contrast with the howling storm. Within thousands of employees went about their work unmindful of the storm. What a contrast to December, 1914! When the morning came every structure "within the Edison gate" was wrapped in a mantle of white; yet little, if any, hindrance was occasioned to the trend of factory life. There were no build- ings "too cold to work in"; there were no frozen pipes; no evidence at all within that a furious storm all night had howled about them. On the contrary everything was as ready for the working force as if it were mid-summer. The heating system of these huge buildings has been so perfected that the most severe storm occasions no inconven- ience, no delav. MR. EDISON'S OLDEST EMPLOYEE 47 YEARS WITH EDISON JOHN OTT, still in the Edison Laboratory, has the unique distinction of being the oldest em- ployee of Mr. Edison. He has been with him since 1869 — 4-7 years. It was in the little cramped quarters in New- ark, N. J., in the neighborhood o f Market Street De- pot, that Mr. Ott first became an Edi- son man. He has been a continuous employee all through Mr. Edi- son's wonderful ca- reer, and is still to- day one of his ac- tive draftsmen. If you want to be entertained with many reminiscences that sound like a strange and fasci- nating novel told in a plain and direct manner, you have only to find Mr. Ott when he is not busy (which is seldom). Mr. Ott was born in Jersey City, N. J., in 1850, and therefore in his 65th year. He is quite am invalid, being obliged to use two crutches when walking; and yet he is at his drawing-board day after day. We extend to Mr. Ott this New Year season our most cordial greeting, and wish him many additional years in the employ of his illustrious and faithful chief. It is Mr. Ott's idea that a man is never incapacitated for work. TWO STRUCTURES AWAKEN CURIOSITY ONE, no, two buildings "within the Edison gate" always look cold and cheerless. They have no windows; they have no chimneys; they have no flag poles; they have no ornamenta- tion. Like two solid huge rocks, they are silent, dark and cold. And yet within they are two of the brightest-lighted, cleanest, best ventilated, evenly warmed buildings in the whole Edison EDISON PHONOGRAPH MONTHLY, JANUARY, 1916 Within the Edison Gate — Continued The Edison Blue Amberol Vault group. They are the Disc Vault and the Blue Amberol Vault, where the master-moulds are kept. In each building there is just one man — the cus- todian. His work is to see that the interior is kept as nearly as possible, summer and winter, at a temperature of 60 degrees; that not a particle of dust is allowed to collect; that the ventilation is attended to by means of an electric fan exhaust; but above all, he is to handle most carefully the master records and to see that they are stored away systematically; that a transcript is kept of their number, date of entry, and such other items as are desirable. To this custodian is. entrusted the careful keeping of the original master-moulds and to him are returned the sub-master-moulds when the process of manufacture has released them. It takes a man of intelligence, system and reliability to care for these precious moulds. Evidently the two men chosen for this work are well fitted for their tasks. The storage capacity of the Disc Record Vault is 40,000 master-moulds; the capacity of the Blue Amberol Vault is 60,000 moulds. Both structures are the result of lessons learned by the fire, for while no original records were lost at that time, it was found prudent to have all master records separately housed. Our "Holy of Holies," shall we call these vaults? Here are enshrined the immortal voices of Edison artists; here are kept the imperishable records of instrumental skill on violin, on harp, on piano — on all musical instruments. If the names of these illustrious artists are considered, we might style these vaults our "Westminster Abbeys," except that instead of holding the mortal remains of the illustrious dead they hold the imperishable songs and art of illustrious immortals. THE DEAR OLD "LAB" MADE MORE FIRE-PROOF MR. EDISON'S private Laboratory— the old brick building that the fire did not touch — has now been fitted with all steel wire-glass windows and (outside) doors. Every wooden case- ment has been banished. From the exterior at least it is fireproof, or nearly so. The large boiler room at the east end of the structure, heretofore used to generate power, is now unused, the heat and power being brought from the central power house on Alden Street. This arrangement not only works for economy in operation, but lessens the danger from fire. EDISON FACTORY NOW A GIGANTIC LABORATORY ONE of the first things Thomas A. Edison did when he went to Washington recently to act as chair- man of the Naval Advisory Board was to recom- mend that the Government establish a 35,000,000 laboratory and appropriate $2, 500,000 a year to run it. The suggestion was heartily approved. That was Mr. Edison's first step toward providing the nation with an invincible defense. It shows the trend of Mr. Edison's mind. It shows why Edison products are superior. Invariably the design, material and process of manufacture of Edison products are based on deep scientific research. Do you, Mr. Dealer, realize the significance of this? Do you properly distinguish in your own mind this wonderful scientific product from the numerous devices for the mechanical reproduction of musical sounds known individually by their various trade names but collectively as talking machines? There can be no comparison of the Edison products with talking machines, because the Edison is incomparably superior. The Edison Disc Vault 10 EDISON PHONOGRAPH MONTHLY, JANUARY, 1916 THO.VIAS P. WtbTENDORF AND DAUGHTER ITS NATURALNESS OF TONE WE want to go on record as enthusiastic believers in whatever Mr. Edison declares to be his best. We have had two of the "Needle Scratching" whirligigs in our possession and we would not hesitate to declare that there is no comparison between them and the "Little Old Cylinder" that has provided this institution with entertainment, enjoyment and instruction for the past two years, and is still as necessary to our comfort and happiness as — well, as is the sunlight. "If we were to say what is Edison Amberola's chief advantage, we would have to declare that we have a whole lot of fun, and no little satisfaction, in making our own records. Just think what we get out of it in this line. We have about two hundred of the home recording records that have been in use for the past two years. We would like to play some of these against the best of the "Scratch Needle" contraptions. Of course, so much depends on the quality of tone to be recorded — resonance, timbre, etc. — that some are better than others, but we have quite a number that we are satisfied can not be surpassed either for tone or real heart- reaching naturalness. "The Blue Amberol has the advantage of dura- bility without sacrificing the naturalness of the tone recorded. It does not require such careful handling, as other records, for it is indestructible. This is its chief advantage. The diamond point makes one feel that nothing is wearing out. "Yes, Mr. Edison came pretty near striking it the first time he tried." Thomas P. Westendorf and Daughter, Bartlett. Tenn. ITS WIDE RANGE OF SELECTIONS THE following letter, written personally to Mr. Edison, is of interest at this time: "You cannot know how much I appreciate the beautiful selections you are making on the Blue Amberol Records, both in the Concert and the Regular lists. There have been times when I felt awfully blue and lonesome, but these Blue Amberol Records cheered me up wonderfully. I have a $125.00 Amberola. "I watch very patiently from month to month and I am happy to say that there is a great uplift in the Blue Amberol Records. The recording is fine ! The records run smoothly and seem to be of a uniform excellence. "I notice I can get about the same music (and sometimes better) on the Blue Amberol as is put out on the Disc. This I appreciate ever so much. It is the fair thing to do toward owners of Cylinder machines and thereby you are giving us a square deal. Many thanks! "I feel so happy over the Amberola situation that I just had to express myself. "W. H. SURBER, Wabash, Ind." AN EDISON AMBEROLA ON THE FRONTIER uy AST December in company with a banker of 1 j wide influence from Chicago and a number of other persons interested in various lines of work," writes W. C. Olin of Denver, Colo., "I took a trip by auto from Winnemucca several hun- dred miles into the cattle country. One hundred and seventy miles from Winnemucca we came to a postoffice that has the reputation of being the most remote from a railroad of any postoffice in the United States. The name of this postoffice is 'Andrews, Ark.' "Fifteen miles beyond the postoffice we were entertained for the night at the headquarters of a very large stock ranch, the property of a Mr. Clerf. "After a sumptuous supper we were invited into the sitting room. Here, before big back-logs snap- ping merrily and flaming brightly in the fireplace, we enjoyed a concert that was most delightful. It was given to us by Mrs. Clerf on her new Edison machine, which her husband had recently made her a present of. "This was the first time I had ever heard an Edison. It had been my rare privilege to hear in person many of the musicians whose scores I heard repeated. The music as it came from this machine was so clear, so natural, that I was startled, for the moment thinking that the musician was in our very presence. "You may be able to imagine what a source of pleasure and delight this concert was to us in the environment of the wild call of the coyote, the lowing of the herd of cattle and the wide waste of seemingly limitless prairie stretching as far as eye could see all around us. "At the close of the entertainment our friend the Chicago banker thanked Mrs. Clerf for the pleasure of the evening and stated that it was one of the most pleasant concerts that he had ever attended, and that he could not remember when he had more thoroughly enjoyed an evening than he had this one. EDISON PHONOGRAPH MONTHLY, JANUARY, 1916 w 11 Getting Street Publicity for the Edison HEREVER an opportunity offers, it will pay the local Edison dealer to "get in the parade." The advertising thus secured more than offsets the trouble and expense. In no other way can one get so much publicity for so little outlay. THE EDISON PHONOGRAPH IN LOCAL PARADES A NOVEL Labor Day Parade was held this year at Newark, Ohio. Many unique fea- tures were shown, but none more so than the Edison Phonograph, the work of our enterpris- ing dealers there, The Stewart Bros. & Alward Co. They conceived the idea of a huge Edison Phonograph. It stood sixteen feet high (with the lid raised) by four feet eight inches wide and six feet four inches deep — amply large enough to take in four chairs with a four-piece orchestra, playing the entire length of the march. This huge Edison cabinet was mounted on a float with a platform 8x16 feet. In the construction of the cabinet heavy muslin was used, and the woodwork was gilded. They used an air brush to get this on even, which made the machine show up in very good shape. For a handle a two-inch pipe, 24 inches long, with an 8-inch knob was used. From an advertising point of view it was easily the most attractive feature in all that very novel parade and many favorable comments were heard on all sides. Stewart Bros. & Alward Co.'s Edison Phonograph Float, Newark, O. Another very attractive float was that of J. R. Klingensmith & Co. of Greenburg, Pa., during Edison week, October 18 to 23. On this occasion four horses were attached to a dray of considerable proportions It attracted a great deal of attention and was most favorably commented upon. ... |ffffl^W*f?l 4 1 "it- Wllliiil::5 =. U * n :fH§ ■ii J. R. Klingensmith & Co.'s Float During Edison Week Greensburg, Pa. 12 EDISON PHONOGRAPH MONTHLY, JANUARY, 1916 Edison Salesmansh ip LITTLE SERMONS IN FEW WORDS TO EDISON CYLINDER DEALERS THE way to make a success of your Edison Cylinder store is to make people feel they can't get along without it. You accomplish this by giving them such service as they can't get elsewhere. The successful Edison salesman talks to his prospect. The unsuccessful salesman talks at his prospect. See the point? Then again the successful salesman talks about what he knows he knows. The unsuccessful salesman talks about what he thinks he knows. Make the inquirer feel at ease and welcome to your store. There are a thousand-and-one ways to do it, but the easiest is a smile and a "good morning." THE SALESMAN THAT SUR- MOUNTS MOUNTAINS TO SELL EDISONS BY THE TELEPHONE CENTRAL OFFICE ANEW kink in phonograph selling was de- veloped by Bert Bailey of the Eureka Phono- graph Company while on a trip in the Wil- low Creek district, Colorado, from which he re- cently returned. Owing to the impossi- bility of reaching the widely separated homes of the residents of that sec- tion Mr. Bailey hit upon the idea of giving a con- cert demonstrating the perfection of the Edison Phonograph, which he represented. Instead of renting a hall and giving the exhibition in the usual manner, he went to the hotel at Willow Creek, where the telephone exchange is located, and by connecting all the subscribers with the main office gave a concert that was heard by telephone by all the people in the neighborhood in their own homes. Several sales resulted and the machines were delivered satisfactorily, but with some inconveni- ence to the salesman, since several large cabinet machines had to be carried by pack horse over the mountain trails that could not be traveled even by his faithful Ford. NO SALESMAN AT ALL NOT long ago a certain salesman, who is of the high collar type, accustomed to deal with ladies of the fashionable world, greeted with disdain a poorly dressed man of past middle age who entered the shop near closing time. "Thought I'd look at a phonograph," said the older man in a rather hesitating voice. The salesman took a good look at the "prospect" and decided in his own mind that what the custo- mer really wanted was the lowest priced Edison in the shop, if he wanted any. "I doubt if we have anything that would interest you," he said, hoping to discourage his prospect and close up shop and go home. "Yes, I saw an instrument in the window that looked pretty nice," he replied. "How much is it?" That "something" proved to be a $75.00 Diamond Amberola. The salesman said in a hopeless sort of way, "Oh, that's our best machine; it's $75." And then, still further sizing up his prospect the salesman added, "You know our terms are strictly cash." "That's all right; I'll take it," said the pur- chaser, and reaching into his hip pocket, withdrew a great roll of Christmas money and pulled out a crisp $100 bill, that made the salesman's eyes stick out like saucers. Then the salesman jotted down the address and promised to have the instrument delivered that day. When the purchaser had gone the salesman remarked to a fellow salesman, "If the old boy had been a farmer I would not have been surprised, because with wheat at $1.00 or more a bushel every farmer must have money to burn out here. But that chap looked like a run down clerk on a small salary and where he got that wad I don't know." From any point of view he was a poor salesman. He didn't sell the Edison; it sold itself; the window advertised it! All of which leads us to remark, what is the use of throwing out advertising lines, baiting the hook, dressing the window and keeping the store open and warm and comfortable, when you have a salesman that is not a salesman? We need experienced salesmen — at least those willing to learn and eager to sell, not merely to wear good clothes and stand around. The Ditzell Music Company, Oklahoma City, Okla., writes — "Our advertising is having its effect. We have just one Edison left on the floor. So in a day or two we will have our first stock all sold out and readv for another." WHEN YOU SELL, GIVE PREFER- ENCE TO THE HIGHER PRICED EDISONS IT is a fact that it takes little if any more effort to sell a prospect one of the higher priced Edisons in preference to the lower priced models. Right here we want to quote one suc- cessful dealer's experience along these lines. The Quincy Phonograph Co., Quincy, 111., say: "We know from experience it is to our interest to sell the best instruments possible. We have found that the higher priced machine we can land, the better satisfied customer we have thereafter." EDISON PHONOGRAPH MONTHLY, JANUARY, 1916 13 The Artist Behind the Record Orpee Langevin "Canadian Baritone" Gladys Rice Soprano Burton Lenihan Tenor THREE MORE NEW ARTISTS ON BLUE AMBEROLS FOR JANUARY Orphee Langevin, the "Canadian Baritone," is a former pupil of Dubulle, Emanuel Lafarge and Leon Melchisedec, three of the most eminent instruc- tors of the Paris Conservatoire. Mr. Langevin is gifted with a clear, resonant baritone voice of exceptional quality and uses it with intelligent feeling and a thorough mastery of vocal technique. His six years' continuous work abroad found much appreciation throughout France, particularly in Paris, where he sang in "La Viviandiere," "L'Attague du Moulin" and several other difficult roles. In a number of concerts his performance has aroused unbounded admiration. He has been well received by the critical music public of New York and other cities. In the January list his magnificent voice is heard to fine effect in "Recitatif et Arioso" from the opera "Benvenuto." As this recitation is unusually dramatic, Langevin's voice is called upon for some wonderful vocal effects, which his careful training enables him easily to occomplish. Gladys Rice is a Philadelphian, educated at "Ivy Hall," Bridgeton, N. J., from which institution she recently graduated. She early became a pupil of Karl Breneman, who studied in Paris under the famous Sibugla. Miss Rice made her debut in vaudeville at the Palace Theatre in New York City and later appeared in dramatic and musical stock companies under the direction of her father, the late John C. Rice. Miss Rice is heard, with Burton Lenihan, in two of the January list of Blue Amberols — "Auf Wie- dersehn— The Blue Paradise" (Record 2775), and "Chin-Chin— Hip-Hip Hooray" (Record 2788). Burton Lenihan is an American, born in Sagi- naw, Michigan, a graduate of Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio. His musical education was begun under Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. White, of Boston, well known in musical circles there. After four years study in Boston he came to New York and played several minor parts in Broadway produc- tions and at last was featured with Emma Frentini in "The Fire-Fly," where he sang the leading tenor role. His voice is a very rich tenor, clear, sweet and powerful. In singing "Auf Wiedersehn — The Blue Paradise," "Chin-Chin — Hip-Hip Hooray" — these qualities are very much in evidence. Reed Miller, so well known to Edison artists as possessing an unusually clear voice, splendidly adapted for recording, was born in Anderson, S. C. He is one of the leading tenors in America. He sings "Love's Garden of Roses" (Record 2778) in such a smooth, flowing, sympathetic manner as to win instant attention and to evoke applause when he has finished. Then there's his "Soft Southern Breeze," equally adapted to his fine melodious voice; it's wonderfully beautiful and grows more beautiful as one hears it again and again. 14 EDISON PHONOGRAPH MONTHLY, JANUARY, 1916 Talking Points for January Blue Amberols SELLING records is an art in itself; one that will well repay preparation and study. Every Blue Amberol salesman should be familiar with the new list of records before he attempts to sell them. He should play each one over several times and note for him- self its good talking points, making memoranda of qualities that seem to him striking. CONCERT SELECTIONS 28222 Recitatif et Arioso "De l'art splendeur immor- telle" — Benvenu to Orphee Langevin A beautiful recitation and aria from the opera "Benvenuto." Sung by Orphee Langevin, a new Edison artist with a rich baritone voice. The recitation is an extraordinarily dramatic declama- tion; the aria a remarkably beautiful theme. A splendid record. 28223 Gloria— Twelfth Mass Gregorian Choir Most every one of any musical taste has heard, or heard of, Mozart's Twelfth Mass. It is one of the most magnificently concerted vocal pieces ever composed. As here rendered it is one of the most impressive and beautiful selections ever recorded (and the recording in this instance is well nigh perfect). REGULAR SELECTIONS 2775 Auf Wiedersehn— The Blue Paradise Burton Lenihan, Gladys Rice and Chorus Here is one of the big song hits from "The Blue Paradise" — one of this season's most successful comic operas. Burton Lenihan and Gladys Rice, two new Edison artists, certainly make a lively record of it, their fine voices harmonizing well with the chorus. 2776 When Old Bill Bailey Plays the Ukalele Billy Murray and Chorus An amusing ragtime song that is quite popular with comic opera goers. Billy Murray as "Old Bill Bailey" gets off the laughable words in a most rollicking manner. The Hawaiian music adds a novel and unusual charm. 2777 Daybreak at Calamity Farm Gilbert Girard and Company Here's a record that will captivate your rural, patrons. Every barn-yard noise is faithfully repro- duced, and an amusing rube dialogue completes the early morning's experience on the farm. 2778 Love's Garden of Roses Reed Miller Reed Miller's voice gives this fine ballad a melody and a charm that puts it far above the average selection. Here is the record to sell to those who like a song full of pathos and sentiment. 2779 Dancing With Ma Honey Charles Daab Here is a rattling good, lively xylophone selec- tion by the prince of xylophone players, Charles Daab. The recording is clear as a bell, and the accuracy both as to time and note make a record that is especially pleasing. 2780 With Sword and Lance March New York Military Band Military marches are all the go now. Here is one of the best, and you can't mistake its martial air and measure step. Seems like "Going to War" just to play it. 2781 My Fox Trot Wedding Day "Hip-Hip Hooray" — New York Hippodrome Irving Kaufman A clever ragtime-song that was one of the big hits of "Hip-Hip Hooray" at the New York Hippo- drome. The main interest lies in the words that are sung by Irving Kaufman to an original tune. 2782 Omena — Intermezzo Fred Van Eps A spirited banjo selection, remarkably catchy and full of life. Fred Van Eps is reputed to have the cleanest execution and most musical tone of any banjoist. 2783 Kaiser Friedrich March New York Military Band Here is a fine sturdy march played by one of the best bands in the country. As a record it is clear, sharp, decisive, just as a military march should be. 2784 Good-Bye, Virginia George Wilton Ballard and Chorus A dainty song-ballad of exceptional charm both in the melody and the lyric. Snatches of familiar Southern melodies are heard in its refrain. 2785 Ballymooney and Biddy McGee Billy Murray and Chorus This Irish comic song was introduced in Mont- gomery and Stone's comic opera "Chin Chin" dur- ing its second year at the Globe Theatre, New York. Billy Murray has caught the Irish accent and gives a lively rendition. 2786 Blue-White March New York Military Band Another very popular march, particularly notable for its fine swing and its several original melodies. Notice in one part the bugle and drum effects. 2787 My Wild Irish Rose Walter Van Brunt One of the most perfectly recorded and repro- duced records in the whole January list; one of Walter Van Brunt's biggest song successes. His voice is particularly adapted to just such a lyric song. 2788 Chin-Chin— "Hip-Hip Hooray"— New York Hip- podrome Burton Lenihan, Gladys Rice and Chorus A dainty duet that was one of the features of "Hip-Hip Hooray" at the New York Hippodrome. The refrain introduces several unique effects of chorus and singing that are unusually beautiful. 2789 Lauterbach and Hi-le Hi-lo (With Yodels) George P. Watson One has only to hear this record to realize that George P. Watson is a most accomplished adept at yodle songs. Hi-le Hi-lo has become immortal like "Where, Oh Where, Has My Little Dog Gone." 2790 Amina — Egyptian Serenade Sodero's Band A "characteristic" selection, with an unusual and curious melody that is extraordinarily catchy. 2891 Cohen Owes Me Ninety-Seven Dollars Maurice Burkhart A comic Hebrew character-song that is extremely amusing — one of the best character-songs Irving Berlin ever wrote. 2792 In the Land of Lorraine— "Two is Company" Frederick Wheeler This is the big baritone song hit from the musical play "Two Is Company." Frederick Wheeler's beautiful voice is displayed to the best possible advantage as he sings this appealing melody. 2793 Battle of the Nations— Descriptive New York Military Band A timely composition that everyone will find enjoyable. Bugle calls and drums are first heard; then follow snatches of the National Anthems. A stirring melody. 2794 On the Bark of an Old Cherry Tree George Wilton Ballard and Chorus A sentimental ballad of unusual interest and charm. The lyric is written around a pretty senti- ment, and the melody is exceptionally catchy. 2795 Song of Hybrias and Cretian T. Foster Why A vigorous bass melody that carries you away with its sturdy swing. T. Foster Why has an ideal voice for this style of song. The purity of his low notes is a feature of the record. 2796 Soft Southern Breeze Reed Miller Reed Miller has seldom given a finer rendition than this. It is a song of unusual artistic merit, with a refrain whose melody is wonderfully beau- tiful. 2797 Molly Dear, It's You I'm After Walter Van Brunt and Chorus A typical Irish sentimental ballad. The. melody has a lilting rhythm. The chorus assisting Mr. Van Brunt hum softly as he gives the first refrain; in the second they sing with him. Helen Clark- sings a portion of the song as a solo. EDISON PHONOGRAPH MONTHLY, JANUARY, 1916 IS As Our Legal Department Sees It FEDERAL JUDGE GEIGER UPHOLDS PATENTEE'S RIGHT TO MAINTAIN PRICES IN OUR September issue we printed an article entitled "The Right of a Manufacturer to Control the Retail Price at Which His Product Shall be Sold," this being a synopsis of an address which was given by Mr. Holden, our general counsel, at the recent Edison Dealers' Convention at Orange. Mr. Holden pointed out that the decision in the Sanatogen Case, Bauer vs. O'Donnell, 229 U. S. 1, has been so greatly misrepresented in newspaper articles that many persons had been led to believe that under this decision a patent owner could not fix the price at which the patented arti- cle should be sold; but that the Court in reality merely held that where the patented articles were marketed with no agreement from the purchaser in respect to the resale price, the purchaser would not be bound simply because there was a label upon the articles which pro- vided that they should not be sold for less than a given price, and he also pointed out that the most recent decision at that time, to wit, United States vs. Keystone Watch Case Co., 218 Fed., 502, held that the owner of a patent did have the right to make an agreement with his jobbers whereby a minimum price was fixed at which the jobbers might sell. The soundness of our position is made evident by a decision which has just been rendered by Judge Geiger in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division. This is a suit brought by the American Graphophone Co. and Colum- bia Graphophone Co. against the Boston Store of Chicago. In this case the defendant had signed the regular Columbia dealer's license agreement and had purchased goods thereunder from the Columbia Grapho- phone Co. and then disposed of the same at cut prices. A suit was thereupon brought by the Columbia Co. and a motion made for an injunction to prohibit sales at cut prices. The defendant endeavored to justify its con- duct under the decision in the Sanatogen Case, but the Court, after carefully considering all the decisions upon this subject, came to the conclusion that the contract between the defendant and plaintiff was valid and enforcible, the Court using the following language: "To state it again, in different form: If the patentee may say to the world, 'I will confer upon any one, by license, the right to manufacture and sell my patented article, provided he will observe a price, fixed by me, at which the article is sold to another,' he can say, T will manufacture the patented articles myself and I will sell to no one except on condition that he observe a resale price to be fixed by me.' And, he can do so, for the reason that the article, because of its embodiment of the invention, has been made a subject of lawfully re- strictive price bargaining; and the Wall Paper and Dr. Miles Medical cases, 212 U. S. 233, 220 U. S. 393, are most persuasive in supporting such view. The lan- guage of the Supreme Court in the Miles case (see p. 401) could give no clearer recognition to the full right of the patentee to bargain for price restriction. The statement is almost made in plain words that if the pro- prietary medicine were a patented article, the contract there in question would, as between the parties, receive the protection of the patent laws as construed in the Bement case. "In view of the language in Bauer vs. O'Donnell, which discloses so clear a purpose to limit it to the precise facts, it is my judgment that it does not and was not intended to overrule the other cases, which seem so firmly to have established the general proposition upon which the sufficiency of the complaint in the pres- ent case depends. In other words, the complaint shows a contract which, against the defendant, as a purchaser from the patentee, is valid and enforcible. "The conclusions are: "1. That, Dick vs. Henry and Bement vs. Harrow Co., Victor vs. The Fair, and the other cases supra, so far as they permit a patentee, while exercising any of his three coordinate monopoly rights, by proper amendment to reserve such portion thereof as he sees fit, have not been overruled by Bauer vs. O'Donnell; but that, after he has once allowed the patented article to pass out of the monopoly without committing, by proper agreement, the one to whom the article comes to the observance of an obligation on his part, he cannot then recall it or claim that, by a notice, he burdened the article with such reservation. "2. That an agent, or vendee of a patentee may, by direct covenant or agreement, be bound to the observ- ance of price restriction, imposed as a condition upon which exclusive right of sale by the patentee is being exercised. Whether a violation of such agreement be dealt with as for infringement or breach of a contract enforcible in equity, is immaterial as between the patentee and his contractee, save only as it may affect the jurisdiction to be invoked. "3. That the complainant states a good cause of action against the defendant. If the contract is to be taken as the measure of the defendant's right, it seems to me that a failure to observe its explicit stipulation constitutes infringement, certainly the breach of the agreement, if valid, should entitle plaintiffs to relief in equity." The opinion of the Court is unusually lucid and indi- cates a very careful study of the entire situation, includ- ing all of the decisions of the Supreme Court which have any bearing upon this question. The decision is cer- tainly in accordance with the rulings of the Supreme Court on this subject and is logical and convincing. W e feel, therefore, that in case of an appeal Judge Geiger should be sustained. Jobbers of Edison Amberola Phonographs and Blue Amberol Records ALABAMA Birmingham — Talking Machine Co. Mobile— W. H. Reynalds. CALIFORNIA Los Angeles — Southern California Music Co. San Francisco — Pacific Phonograph Co. COLORADO Denver — Denver Dry Goods Co. Hext Music Co. CONNECTICUT New Haven — Pardee-Ellenberger Co. GEORGIA Atlanta — Atlanta Phonograph Co. W. F. L. Rosenblatt Waycross — Youmans Jewelry Co. ILLINOIS Chicago — Babson Bros. James I. Lyons. The Phonograph Co. Peoria — Peoria Phonograph Co. Quincy — Quincy Phonograph Co. INDIANA Indianapolis — Kipp-Link Phonograph Co. IOWA Des Moines — Harger & Blish. Sioux City — Harger & Blish. LOUISIANA New Orleans — Diamond Music Co., Inc. MAINE Bangor — Chandler & Co. MARYLAND Baltimore — E. F. Droop & Sons Co. Paterson- NEW JERSEY -James K. O'Dea. NEW YORK Albany — American Phonograph Co. Finch & Hahn. Buffalo — W. D. Andrews. Neal, Clark & Neal Co. Elmira — Elmira Arms Co. New York City — I. Davega, Jr., Inc. J. F. Blackman & Son. S. B. Davega Co. The Phonograph Corporation of Manhattan. Rochester — Talking Machine Co. Syracuse — Frank E. Bolway & Son. W. D. Andrews Co. Utica — Arthur F. Ferriss. William Harrison. OHIO Cincinnati — The Phonograph Co. Cleveland — The Phonograph Co. OREGON Portland — Pacific Phonograph Co. PENNSYLVANIA Philadelphia — Girard Phonograph Co. Pittsburgh — Buehn Phonograph Co. Scranton — Ackerman & Co. Williamsport — W. A. Myers. RHODE ISLAND Providence — J. A. Foster Co. TEXAS Dallas — Texas-Oklahoma Phonograph Co. El Paso — El Paso Phonograph Co., Inc. UTAH Ogden — Proudfit Sporting Goods Co. Salt Lake City — Consolidated Music Co. MASSACHUSETTS Boston — Iver-Johnson Sporting Goods Co. Pardee-Ellenberger Co. Lowell — Thomas Wardell. MICHIGAN Detroit — Phonograph Co. of Detroit. MINNESOTA Minneapolis — Laurence H. Lucker. St. Paul— W. J. Dyer & Bro. MISSOURI Kansas City — Phonograph Co. of Kansas City. Schmelzer Arms Co. St. Louis — Silverstone Music Co. MONTANA Helena — Montana Phonograph Co. NEBRASKA Omaha — Shultz Bi VERMONT Burlington — American Phonograph Co. VIRGINIA Richmond — C. B. Haynes & Co. WASHINGTON Seattle — Pacific Phonograph Co., N. W. Spokane — Pacific Phonograph Co., N. W. WISCONSIN Milwaukee — The Phonograph Co., of Milwaukee. CANADA Calgary— R. S. Williams & Sons Co., Ltd. Montreal — R. S. Williams & Sons Co., Ltd. St. John— W. H. Thorne & Co., Ltd. Toronto — R. S. Williams & Sons Co., Ltd. Vancouver — Kent Piano Co., Ltd. Winnipeg — Babson Bros. R. S. Williams & Sons Co., Ltd. ! ^ EDISON ! ! PHONOGRAPH! 1 MONTHLY | VOL. XIV FEBRUARY, 1916 NO. 2 ! 1] || 1 at1- • _^~- , V"-^^-- > flu :... MR. EDISON AT HIS DESK— See page 9 THE EDISON PHONOGRAPH MONTH LY Published in the interest of EDISON AMBEROLA PHONOGRAPHS AND BLUE AMBEROL RECORDS By THOMAS A. EDISON, Inc. ORANGE, N. J., U. S. A. THOMAS A. EDISON, LTD., 164 WARDOUR ST., LONDON, W. ENGLAND THOMAS A. EDISON, LTD., 364-372 KENT STREET, SYDNEY, N. S. W. COMPANIA EDISON HISPANO-AMERICANA, FLORIDA 635, BUENOS AIRES EDISON GESELLSCHAFT, M. B. H. 3 YORKSTRASSE, BERLIN COMPAGNIE FRANCAISE THOMAS A. EDISON, 59 RUE DES PETITES-ECURIES, PARIS Volume XIV FEBRUARY, 1916 Number 2 When a Competitor Says it, it's Probably Untrue What an interesting thing a competitor sometimes is. What a variety of things he can put into the mouths of his representatives to pass on to dealers who do not carry his line. The ingenuity he shows in "framing" is worthy of a better cause. He can "knock" with all the tools that make noises. The mean things he can write and say are a caution. And he is never exempt from the habit, no matter how great a measure of prosperity he enjoys. He just simply can't help hating to see the other fellow get business. The gentleman in the back row wants to say something. Certainly you may talk. You don't think their knocking is due to meanness, eh, but because they recognize the inferiority of their product, and are fearful for its ultimate fate. Perhaps that is it. We really don't know. After all it doesn't matter much. Then, too, all of this is beside the question. We wanted particularly to refer to one of the newest things being said about the Edison Cylinder product. Mr. Competitor is now having his people say that we are going to give up the Cylinder line. As a rule it isn't worth while paying attention to statements of this kind, particularly when the}- are put out with questionable motives, but one of these statements made recently "smoked" us out and caused the issuance of the following trade letter, signed by Mr. Edison. Here is the letter: To all Iulison Cylinder Dealers: I'.y this time you know that the Phonograph Monthly hereafter is to be devoted exclusively to the cylinder lint — the Diamond Amberola and the Blue Amberol records. We have