Grafanola

Discussion in 'Other Reminiscences' started by Ken Anderson, Sep 13, 2015.

  1. Ken Anderson

    Ken Anderson Senior Staff
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    When my maternal grandfather died, he left me his Grafanola, specifying it in his will because he knew that I was fascinated with it. Unfortunately, it was still at my dad's house when it burned while I was in college, so I lost it.

    As best I can remember, it looked much like the photo below. It operated by a crank, with no electrical options. Besides the album compartments on the front, there was a secret compartment in the back, on the side that would ordinarily be up against the wall.

    It played 78s, and I inherited all of his 78s too, many of which I loved. Along with the music, there were comedy albums, such as Ma & Pa Kettle and others who I don't remember.

    [​IMG]
     
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  2. Ike Willis

    Ike Willis Supreme Member
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    When my dad was away in WW2 he sent a recording he made while stationed in England. I remember mom putting it on a machine similar to that one and winding up the motor. I was amazed to hear my dad's voice. I still remember dad telling me to eat my vegetables. I was about 3 then and had no memory of dad until he came home from the war.
     
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  3. Yvonne Smith

    Yvonne Smith Senior Staff
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    My mom and dad had an old one of those, too. I do not remember what they called it, but it seem like it was a different name than a Grafanola. It seems like it had the RCA Victor dog on it, too; but am not sure of that part anymore.
    Mom would play those old 78rpm records, and my favorites were the marches, especially John Philips Souza, and the Star and Stripes Forever. I happily marched around the room to the sounds of the band as mom turned the crank and kept the music playing.
     
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