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Post by Zene on Oct 9, 2020 16:19:49 GMT
Hi ... I met a lady that worked with a company called "Magic Music" in Toledo,OH 1943. The units for calling in song requests were most likely in taverns (guessing more traffic from soldiers at the time). The customer would insert coin(s) and would be connected by phone to the operations building. She, along with several others would take requests, get the recording and play song from one of 16 turntables sending song back to the customer. Can anyone help finding more info and pictures?
I could have asked a simpler inquiry, but thought might be of interest to others.
Thanks, Zene
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Post by Ron Rich on Oct 9, 2020 19:26:22 GMT
Hi Zene,
I have just a "smattering" of knowledge about this-- I believe this started in about 1938-- and only lasted thru WW 2, as more or less a "fad". There were several companies doing it, including RockOla. I was told the 100 selection Seeburg, ended this fad, when it was introduced. Look in our FAQ's section for info on Bill Butterfield (MFFE)--he often has flyers for this service, for sale. Ron Rich
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Post by juke46 on Oct 9, 2020 20:47:45 GMT
I had some info on that system a long time ago. A customer could use a special telephone, after depositing coins to speak directly to the phonograph/record room. A guy or a lady could talk to a pretty girl who would then play his/her selection. I believe when selective jukeboxes became more popular the girls and the phonograph systems disappeared. I'll see if my terrible memory can recall where the information and some pictures were. There is also a vintage movie that had a scene or scenes of the ladies and the phonograph room at work.
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Post by Orthophonic on Oct 9, 2020 22:11:32 GMT
The movie is My Dream Is Yours starring Doris Day.
My Dad remembers playing one while in the Navy during WWII, in San Francisco I believe.
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Post by Ron Rich on Oct 9, 2020 23:11:34 GMT
They were in taverns in SF during WW2-- The photo's of the "operators" were, putting it nicely, of the more attractive ladies-- I am sure-- Nickel connected you to their "studio", on a private (hopefully, "balanced") phone line-- you requested what you wanted to hear, from the "playlist" on the coin drop box, No "chit-chat" allowed, and just like magic (so it seamed) you were hearing it. Ron Rich
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Post by Zene on Oct 10, 2020 2:20:29 GMT
Thanks a million. She will appreciate the info and I will have more to search.
There was no dating customers allowed which she said with a sly wink. Zene
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Post by Ron Rich on Oct 10, 2020 4:01:21 GMT
From what I understand of a local operation, the gals were strongly "encouraged" not to spend any time on the phone, or elsewhere with the customers-- during busy times they had only seconds to get the record started-- then on to the next customer--- going from a second hand knowledge of this, from an old boss of mine-- Ron Rich.
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Post by Hildegard on Oct 11, 2020 20:47:47 GMT
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Post by juke46 on Oct 12, 2020 20:21:03 GMT
The Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, CA. is the most beautiful theatre I have ever seen although just photos of it are all I have ever seen. I do remember their association with a music by telephone system. I had forgotten about that connection. Here is a link to the Pantages theatre. I wonder how it looks today? Hopefully it remains a beautiful and maintained theatre. Someday theatres will reopen! www.inspirock.com/united-states/los-angeles/pantages-theatre-a15948331 |
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