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Advertisement From Farm And Ranch Magazine, 1912 - Scan of an 1912 Farm and Ranch article about how the talking machine brings music within reach of the farm.
December 14, 1912
VOL. 31. No. 50
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Complete Text
CHRISTMAS MUSIC ON THE FARM
M.O.
It was to the country dwellers that the birth of Christ was announced - and by music. The shepherds watching their flocks on the mountain slopes near Bethlehem were startled by the tones of the heavenly choir proclaiming "Peace on earth, good will towards men."
Every since the first Christmas day, the birth of Christ has been celebrated by music. The practice begun at that far-distant time has grown and strengthened, and the Christmas music of today is looked forward to as one of the special delights of Christmas-tide.
While there is this special association with the music of the Christmas season, the rest of the year may also present its claim for music's charm. But many people, especially those who do not live in cities, find it difficult to get music into their lives. The farmers and country village people are unable to hear the finest singers, for they sing only in the big cities. Great orchestras, great operas, great individual singers, are out of the reach of the country people. Even at such special seasons as Christmas, they must be content with local talent: and as good as that may be, it cannot be expected to be as thrilling and inspiring as the renditions by the greatest singers.
But a splendid opportunity to bring the best music into the Christmas celebrations, and also into the daily lives of the country people, is provided by the talking machine. An abundance of Christmas music and the precious Christmas hymns will be found listed in the catalog of its records. And while the country resident may not be able to hear the Christmas music in the grand churches of the cities, he can hear it at its best in his own home with a talking machine.
Besides the Christmas music, every other kind of melody is found on the talking machine records. The gayest and most rollicking dance music, stirring military bands, tender love songs, comic dialect ditties - all are brought within the reach of every household.
These facts make the Christmas season a time especially to decide that the possibilities of your home life ought to be enlarged by a talking machine. No Christmas surprise for the family will be more charming, no gift will furnish more abundant entertainment and delight.