The Vintage Charm of Our 1920's Victrola

Victrola circa 1920

Next to the fireplace of the Leonard at Logan House Bed and Breakfast is a rare treasure that, no doubt, delights music lovers and history buffs alike: our original 1920s Victrola record player. More than just a decorative piece, this beautifully preserved phonograph is not only a decorative piece it also still works - and is ready to transport you back in time with the soft crackle of a bygone era.

Unlike modern digital sound systems, the Victrola is entirely mechanical. There are no wires or speakers—just a crank handle, a steel needle, and a set of shellac records. It works by turning the crank to wind up the motor, placing the needle on the record, and letting the sound travel through the wooden cabinet’s built-in horn. The result is a warm, crackly tone that gives you a real sense of what music sounded like before radios and digital players took over.

Here are some fun facts:

• The name “Victrola” comes from the Victor Talking Machine Company, one of the leading phonograph manufacturers of the early 1900s.

• Many models, including ours, are made of solid wood with hand-crafted details, giving each one a unique character.

• The steel needles wear down after just a few plays, which is why replacements were once sold in bulk—some even came with 100 needles per tin.

• Records made for the Victrola spin at 78 RPM (revolutions per minute), and each side typically holds about 3–4 minutes of music.

We would love to play it for you on your stay with us. It's located in our living room, and we have a small collection of records to play. The Victrola is a fun piece of history and it's just one of the many ways we invite our guests to experience Where History Meets Hospitality.