Edison Diamond Disc Record, "Sahara (Soon We'll be Dry as You)" and "You'd be Surprised," 1919

THF153781 / Edison Diamond Disc Record, "Sahara (Soon We'll be Dry as You)" and "You'd be Surprised," 1919
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Artifact Overview

This comical song protests against Prohibition, a period from 1920 to 1933 when the United States declared the manufacture, sale, and consumption of alcohol illegal. The Sahara Desert is likened to Prohibition in America: "Sahara, Oh Sahara, we'll soon be dry like you."

Artifact Details

Artifact

Phonograph record

Date Made

November 1919

Creator Notes

Manufactured by Thomas A. Edison, Inc., West Orange, New Jersey; "Sahara (Soon We'll Be as Dry as You)" composed by Jean Schwartz and performed by Billy Murray and "You'd Be Surprised" composed by Irving Berlin and also sung by Billy Murray.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

2004.0.24.336

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Condensite (Plastic)
Paper (Fiber product)

Color

Black (Color)

Dimensions

Diameter: 10 in