Monday, June 6, 2011

The Old Family Radio

This old console radio/phonograph has been sitting in the foyer of our home for absolutely ages. It hasn't worked for years, so the only purpose it really serves is to take up valuable space.
I wish it still worked, but it doesn't. All we knew about it was that it was an "Airline" brand, and that it had been here in the family home for as long as my husband could remember (which is quite awhile!).

But, have a look at what I found in a cupboard down in the basement! The 1942 catalog of Airline Radios from Montgomery Wards:

So, now we know it has been here since 1942, just a couple of years after my in-laws built their home. I was pretty tickled to find it inside the catalog:
Back then, of course, music and news from the radio and playing records on the phonograph were the main form of home entertainment:


My, how things have changed.
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10 comments:

  1. The Viewliner LimitedJune 6, 2011 at 6:47 AM

    Very, very cool! I love old radios and this is one that tops my list.

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  2. Tina DawnJune 6, 2011 at 7:57 AM

    I love the plastic ones! So how have things changed? Now we just gather one at a time around the computer? I wish your radio worked. Love T

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  3. yosemite faithJune 6, 2011 at 8:57 AM

    love love love that you found the booklet. good 'ol "monkey wards" - nice post heidi.

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  4. Jennifer DJune 6, 2011 at 9:07 AM

    That is a wonderful piece!Too bad it doesn't work. My hubby and I are forever kicking ourselves for not buying a certain phonograph at a swap meet years ago. The one that got away.

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  5. Jennifer DJune 6, 2011 at 9:08 AM

    Oh and the catalog! What an incredible find in that house of mysteries.

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  6. Twyla and LindseyJune 8, 2011 at 7:12 AM

    We had one of the big floor models when I was little! Twyla

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  7. Geoff B.December 31, 2011 at 2:32 PM

    I recently picked up one of these from a neighbor who was giving it away. It is in really good condition on the outside. I am currently restoring the electronics to make it work again.

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  8. JerriOctober 4, 2013 at 3:37 PM

    I have this exact one! Someone took all the radio and phono stuff out, so it is a really nice storage cabinet. I have it by my door with flashlights and outdoor toys in it. I just had to fix the lattice front and re-stain. great piece!

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  9. AnonymousMarch 3, 2014 at 8:36 PM

    I had a friend restore a Stromerg Carlson console with the same layout. Unfortunately, he has since died. With a few Google searches you can probably find someone to restore the "guts" of that one. Look for antique collectors clubs too, anyone affiliated with one could refer you to someone who'll do the work. The longer it sits unused, the harder it will be to get it running again, and most of the models that big had surprisingly good sound. Good Luck!

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  10. UnknownOctober 26, 2018 at 10:31 PM

    I have one that works better than a new one and it a beauty on both the inside and outside hasn't ever had to be restored it amazing.. who's the best appraiser

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