[Phono-L] Phonograph appreciation

[Ken and Brenda Brekke]

The previous email threads regarding the public appreciating phonographs
reminds me of one of my experiences.  I have taken some of my phonographs to
nursing homes and played records for everyone there.  The first time I went,
there were only a few that showed up.  On all the subsequent visits, the
activity room was filled.  There was one particular lady that I will never
forget.  She was always by herself on the side of all the activity.  She
didn't associate with anyone.  I asked one of the aides about her.  The aide
said "Oh, that's Georgia.  She is usually pretty mean to everyone."  I took
that statement as a challenge.  I used a cart and took my Concert Roller
Organ over to her.  I put my arm on her shoulder and asked if she wanted to
play it.  She looked up to me and in a very gruff and defiant voice said
"YES!"   She needed to use both hands to crank it but she played the whole
cobb.  When it ended she looked up at me again and had a huge smile on her
face and said "Thank you very much!"  It still brings a little tear to my
eyes yet today.  After that visit, Georgia always came up to me and
requested to play either a phonograph or the Roller Organ.  Many of the
residents would dig through my boxes of records I brought.  The look on
their faces when they found a particular record that brought back memories
from their younger days was priceless.  They would eagerly play the record
and talk about what it meant to them.  I never needed to explain to them how
to play the phonographs.  It has been a while since I have visited a nursing
home with some phonographs.  It is something I miss doing and should start
again.  You can be sure that everyone there appreciates phonographs.  More
recently, I have started something similar with our Model A Ford club.  We
have put on mini car shows at nursing homes and give the residents rides.
The appreciation of these events is also great. 

Ken Brekke