Belford Royal's Talking Machine
It may be hard for people today to imagine but there was a time when machines didn't talk. This machine did not have batteries or an electric cord. Today we might feel bothered by too many machines that talk -- cell phones and televisions among them. But back in 1907 hearing a recording was an amazing event.
Ever spin a disc or play a record?
The man, Belford Grant Royal, who co-patented this Talking Machine once lived on East Mantua Avenue in Wenonah. He may never have moved here but the Benjamin Franklin Bridge needed a plaza for approach roads and his house was taken to make room.
You can read more about him and view the entire patent application at the link below.
http://wenonahhistoricalsociety.org/Belford-Royal
It occurs to me that you might want to listen to a Talking Machine. Youtube provides many opportunities to do so. Here's one. There is a close up of the label early in the video. It was made in Camden, NJ.
