OK, not really. But I do really like the song. It's an old one which makes it even better when played on our old Victrola. We have been trying to make it feel a little more like Christmas around here, which seems to be pretty hard, so we brought out the Christmas hits from the past. These are, as I'm sure you can tell, really old 78's (which means that they are to be played a 78 rpm's to play correctly). They are a little scratched up but still sound wonderful on the old Victrola. Here is the only Hippopotamus that I want around here at Christmas or any other time for that matter You can go to this link to hear it, and yes it will be your new favorite.
Another favorite is Gene Autry, with Here Comes Santa Claus. Another oldie. Man, that voice just makes me feel good all over. Calms me yet excites me all at the same time. Listen to it here and see it played on a record player. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpPpBxZhi6s
Well ya gotta have something to play all that old music on, what better that an old Victor Victrola complete with the hand crank on the side. A friend found this ad on the net some time ago and printed it and gave it to me. Can you believe this thing cost $425.00 in 1925-26. That was near the price of a new car at that time. Who ever purchased this one new must have had some coin, if ya know what I mean. I would love to be able to tell you a nice long story about how this has been in the family for years and years. The truth, I bought it at an Antique store maybe 12 - 15 years ago in West Virginia. Well, I could have made up a good story for ya, but I have a hard enough time keeping the truth straight. I would never be able to remember a lie to tell it twice. hehe!!
Ours is not new condition or anything but it's still really nice for it's age, going on 100 years old. There are small cups to hold extra needles to the back left and I also found a place on line to buy needles NEW !! Can you believe that?? Notice the volume, you just open or close the cabinet doors to adjust. lol Man, I love things that are that simple and work so well.
Power source- Crank handle several turns and enjoy. "Off-grid entertainment"
And what would Christmas be with out Sponge Bob hangin' around. hehe!!
15 comments:
Hey ... I remember this song from when I was a kid. Along with songs like "All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth" and " I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus".
My Uncle Bill had one of these grammaphones in his house in the country. Lots of memories in this post. Thanks for sharing it...
Jim, you're more than welcome. I love funny songs and this one is one of my favorites. I remember the 2 you mention also. You're right, good times..
Thanks for coming over,
Chris
That thing is toooo cool! Thanks for sharing...
...ahhh memories,gotta love 'vinyl'...ever have one of those 'regressions' where ya break out all the old albums,blow the dust off the turntable,put a penny on the arm,and listen to yer past ?...aint just me is it ?...
...then again,albums show our true age...lol...shoot,i still got my workin 8-track player...lol
TEAMHALL, thanks, we only use it around Christmas, but we enjoy it then.
Ken, At my mom and dads house in the cabniet with the record player there are 5 or 6 pennies that have been there as long as I can remember just for that. I can remember having an 8 track in my car, when it would drag, you could put a book of matches in with it and it would play better. I have also used a comb for that. Man, talk about a long time ago.
Thanks for the comments, love to hear for ya.
Chris
That is really neat Chris! I love it. My in-laws have one of the Victrolas with a "horn" (whatchacallit?) on it. I love the way records sound. There just isn't anything else to compare them to. You're lucky you found brand new needles for your Victrola too. What a find!
Amy, this thing is great. When we have company they all want to hear it. It's a big hit around here.
Thanks
Chris
I would love to get a Victrola--ever since I read "Alas, Babylon" and that was all they had in terms of playing sophisticated music, I thought it would be a neat thing to have. (Hopefully I'm remembering the book right--it's been awhile :) Does it play just any records, or do they have to be records that work specifically with the Victrola? In any case you are lucky to have it--love the pictures!
I play the hippopotamus song all the time. My wife thinks it is a scream. I thought everyone played it!
Michael
My parents had one of those stashed in the basement. I wish I had grabbed it when they moved. I think they sold it a garage sale. I like old stuff like that. You're right about the quality, things were made like the makers were going to buy them for their families. Some of that is still around today. THis was fun to read and made me think about the good old days.
(I saw Gene Autry in his Cadillac in Pasadena back in the 80's)
Marie, never read that book so I'm not too sure about it. But we love this thing, it takes us back to a simple time when music was fun for everyone. No songs about killing anybody or anything, just good clean fun. It plays 78's and many of the "newer" record player would also play them as well as 45's and 33's. Edison made his record player so it would only play Edison records, not a very good idea as he soon found out.
Michael, it's fun song, the kids sing it all the time here. Not sure many others have even heard it or remember it. Maybe some have read this post and found a new favorite Christmas song. lol
Don, glad you enjoyed the post. I love old stuff, it just always seem to work as it should. This one still plays great. Man, you seen Gene, and in his caddy?? What a treat.
Thanks for all the comments, always glad to have friends stop by to visit.
Chris
OMG love that song!!!!!!!
I had no idea that song was old enough to be on a record...cool! A friend has an old wind up player too and nothing sounds so good as a record played on it. Good find!
Oh, I'm jealous! I just love those! My grandpa had one (he collected and fixed old radios) and my brother has inherited it. It's the stand-up type. What fun you must have winding that baby up! Gen--IL Homesteader
Lisa, lol, we do too. It's a fun song.
Warren, it's an old one for sure. I love this old player, nice off grid fun.
Gen, good thing it's still in the family, make sure it don't get away. These things are too cool.
Thanks for enjoying this old record player with me. It's fun for all.
Chris
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