19th century local music history — ‘Phonograph concert’

I am reminded of the vintage advertising tag line, “Is it live, or is in Memorex?”

In this case, it was a live presentation of recorded music.

“Two students of Colgate University who are on their vacation will give a phonographic entertainment at the Baptist Church. The phonograph used is adapted to an audience of 2,000 persons,” The Morning Star of Glens Falls reported on Aug. 23, 1894. “The entertainment will be on the nature of a concert. Selections by out-of-town celebrities and local vocalists will be reproduced. No ear trumpets will be necessary.”

Admission was 20 cents — the equivalent of $7.36 in 2024 dollars — for adults and 10 cents for children.

In other 19th century music news collected from historic newspapers of the region:

• ”Professor E.T. Barella has been appointed organist at St. Josephs (Roman Catholic) Church, Fort Edward. He will preside at the organ at the regular services beginning on the last Sunday in September,” The Morning Star reported on Aug. 17, 1894.
• Pianist May Lucino Potvin of Chicago was scheduled to perform Aug. 30 at the Hotel Hudson in Fort Edward.

“The press of the west and northeast have been very eulogistic of her talent, and from what I know of the last, it is deserved. The Star readers will agree with the writer after they have the pleasure of hearing Miss Potvin, who is as attractive in appearance as she is talented,” a writer, going by the name “Admirer of Talent,” wrote in a letter to the editor which The Morning Star published on Aug. 28, 1894.

The writer quoted from a Tacoma Globe review:

“Probably no pianist who has appeared in the city has met with the success of Miss Potvin in her recital here.”

• “Guy W. Wofford and Clarence A. Owen have formed a co-partnership in the piano and organ tuning and repair business,” The Morning Star reported on Aug. 25, 1894. “The firm name will be Wolford & Owen, and the business will be carried on at the old stand, 68 Maple Street (in Glens Falls).”
• “The Argyle Cornet Band has been reorganized under the leadership of John Hopkins,” The Morning Star reported on Sept. 1, 1894.
• “A musical organization to be known as the South Glens Falls Cornet Band has been organized. … New instruments have been ordered and are expected by Nov. 10,” The Morning Star reported on Oct. 31, 1894.

Click here to read the most recent previous local music history post.