The phonograph was invented by Thomas Edison in 1877. It was a groundbreaking innovation for recording and listening to music and sound. Later advancements to the phonograph replaced cylindrical records with the flat discs we recognize today, paving the way for future recording mediums. At the turn of the 20th century, disc phonographs were a new and popular way to listen to music and, due to their cost, served as a status symbol. Depending on the model, phonographs retailed for $150 to $250, equivalent to over $4,000 today.
The Cecilian Phonograph was produced by the Cecilian Company, which was established in Canada in 1906. Made from high-quality wood, it featured ornate designs. The company took pride in its craftsmanship, stating that “your Cecilian should last you a lifetime.”
The phonograph allowed people to listen to music in the comfort of their own homes. In the early 1900s, phonograph owners could purchase records for $1.15 to $4.25—equivalent to about $40 today—and build a personal music library. The phonograph’s popularity paved the way for the music industry to flourish into what it is today.
The phonograph’s availability made it the dominant music machine for a long time. Artists now had to strive for ‘perfection’ when recording, as consumers would replay their recordings. Phonographs allowed artists to create and share their music with a wider audience than ever before. They also provided greater access to regional styles and genres of music, such as jazz, blues, and country.
