Wax Cylinder Record, "Hallowe'en Dance," 1909

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Artifact Overview

Halloween became an increasing popular -- and commercialized -- holiday during the early 20th century. Entrepreneurs offered an interested public Halloween-themed products for purchase. "Halloween Dance" was recorded in May 1909 using just 10 or 15 musicians. With the recording technology available at the time, a full symphony orchestra would have been too far away from the recording horn to be audible.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Cylinder (Sound recording)

Date Made

1909

Creator Notes

Performance by the Edison's American Symphony Orchestra; cylinder manufactured by the National Phonograph Company. Music composed by Hans Engelmann.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

95.0.45.650

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Wax
Cardboard
Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Molding (forming)

Color

Black (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 4.625 in
Diameter: 2.563 in