Going to the Victrola and Record Store on Broad Street in 1920, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania


It's 1920, I'm in Philadelphia, and I'm crossing crossing the street to go look at the Victrolas and Records at 1700 N. Broad Street.


A Victrola, by the way, if you haven't heard of one (and where have you been?) is a talking machine. You put something called a record on it, and sound comes out out it. Yes, talking, singing, and all kinds of music.


I found this image today on the Duke University site and I immediately felt myself walking into it in my imagination. And there I am, in my flat cap and my white shoes. Luckily, there's a policeman there stopping traffic, and there's another one standing on the corner, keeping an eye on things. He seems pretty stern, maybe the driver took the corner a little too fast, or maybe he's just upset because the steering wheel appears to be on the wrong side. I wonder what kind of car that is?


I went on Google Street View to see if any of these old buildings still exist, but it looks like they don't. The fire hydrant and the street light are in the same place, but they're not the same ones from 1920, of course.


Maybe after I've looked at some Victrolas, and listened to them, I'll buy some cigars, and maybe get a new Stetson hat. I'm a time-traveler from the 21st Century, so the money in my pocket should be enough.

Thank you for visiting Philadelphia in 1920 with me!



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