2002.15

AFB Talking Book Reproducer, Model AC-45

A portable electrically-driven phonograph for playing 12-inch phonograph discs at 33 1/3 or 78 rpm; can be used with headphones. Phonograph has a hinged lid with silver metal clasps; turntable with brown felt covering; variable speed control; hinged metal container for needles, approx. 1 1/2 in. (diameter), located at the right corner in front of the turntable; an expanding pocket attached to the inside of the lid for storage of records and headphones; an outside covering of black leather-like material, with back corners covered in leather; and a black leather handle on the right side. The speaker, on/off switch, volume control, and headphone jack are located behind a removable panel, on the front of the machine. Twenty-five phonograph needles are stored in a 2-inch plastic vial. "Talking Book Reproducer, Model AC-45, Serial No. 45428, for operation on 110 volts A.C. only, American Foundation for the Blind, New York, N.Y." --metal label behind turntable. "Designed And Developed By American Foundation For The Blind" --metal label behind turntable. "Audax Pat. Pend. New York." --label on arm.

H-8.5 W-15.5 D-20 inches

1945

American Foundation for the Blind

New York

Congress amended the Pratt-Smoot Act in 1933 to allow the Library of Congress to buy and distribute Talking Books to blind adults on the same basis as braille. Initially, the American Foundation for the Blind launched a fundraising campaign to purchase Talking Book machines for users nationwide. In 1935, however, the Foundation managed to convince President Franklin Roosevelt to sign an order allocating WPA funds to the LC for the construction of TB players. In turn, the LC appointed AFB as its agent to supervise the project. The project director was Chester C. Kleber. By the time it was discontinued in 1942, AFB had produced 23,000 machines in several formats, both electric and spring driven.

Gift of Warren Figueiredo