Amongst other activities today, Mary plays her Victrola as she has on other occasions. The Victrola, an evolutionary product of the original Victor Talking Machine, moved the obtrusive sound-projecting horn of the early versions of the talking machine (record player) into the cabinet, where it was concealed. The Victrola, made by the Victor Talking Machine Company in nearby Camden, New Jersey, became very popular in the first two decades of the 20th century. A detailed history of the company and the technology can be found at The Victor-Victrola Page.
And while Mary stays home this evening, sister Nora and friend Marjorie Smith go to the amusement park, Willow Grove, to hear Victor Herbert. In the early 20th century Willow Grove Park on edge of Philadelphia was known as the "Summer Music Center of the United States". For several summers Victor Herbert, John Philip Sousa and others held concerts for several weeks at the park.
Victor Herbert (1859-1924) was an Irish-born, German-raised American composer, cellist and conductor. More about Victor Herbert including the following Willow Grove program from 1917 can be found at the Library of Congress online exhibition.
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