The Christmas of the Phonograph Records: A Recollection

by Mari Sandoz, Linda M. Hasselstrom (Introduction)

Charmingly, Mari Sandoz tells of a long-ago Christmas in western Nebraska when her father’s house was filled with good music. Old Jules had ordered an Edison phonograph and boxes of cylinder records from the East, paying for them with an inheritance and ignoring debts, to the chagrin of his long-suffering wife. But the entire family soon entered into the holiday spirit as neighbors arrived to feast and dance and enjoy musical selections ranging from Lucia di Lammermoor to Casey at the Telephone. Even old enmities dissolved under the spell, for, as Old Jules said, “The music is for everybody.” A classic in the tradition of Dylan Thomas’s Child’s Christmas in Wales and Truman Capote’s Christmas Memory , this story by the famous author of Old Jules was first published posthumously in December 1966.

Genres: Fiction, Christmas

36 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1966

About the author

Mari Susette Sandoz (May 11, 1896 – March 10, 1966) was a novelist, biographer, lecturer, and teacher. She was one of Nebraska's foremost writers, and wrote extensively about pioneer life and the Plains Indians.

Reviews

[Karna Converse · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mom put this book in my Christmas stocking many, many years ago, but I read it at the beginning of every holiday season. Sandoz writes about her pioneer father, Old Jules, who uses his inheritance to purchase an Edison phonograph and more than 300 records. A poor decision according to Sandoz's mother, who would have preferred to pay off debts, but the purchase results in a week-long celebration that brings together neighbors and creates a community. Its message of peace and harmony is as timely now as it was years ago. This classic by one of Nebraska's most-recognized writers of frontier life was first published posthumously in 1966.

[Sylvester (Taking a break in 2023) · Rating 2 out of 5]

A complete and utter musical spree for a poor family. I was worried about the kids and the shoes they needed, but there wouldn't be a story if they had gotten shoes, I suppose.

[Audrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A snippet of life in the Nebraska plains during Pioneer times. Interesting.

[Marc Rowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this little book with the great Nebraska History

Sandoz does such a great job of putting you (as a ringside spectator) in the room where the book takes place

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely story, especially this time of year.