We are Bob and Karen Johnson from Southern Oregon. We are both Oregon natives and are in our mid-50's in age.
We began collecting vintage phonographs in the early 1980's with the purchase of an Edison HOME with a brass-bell horn. During the next fifteen years, we added about 30-40 more phonographs to our collection until 1995 when we sold some of our businesses (Radio stations) and began to acquire vintage phonographs on a more rapid basis.
By mid-2004 our collection grew to over 200 in number, about half being table-top models and the other half of the upright variety. Karen also has an extensive collection of Hallmark Christmas ornaments that date back to the late 1970's and newer, over 1700 ornaments in all.
We have three grown children, Kelly, Kerry and Brian. Kelly is the Manager for Marketing and Research at the ESPN Television Network in New York City. Kerry is Senior Account Executive for Waggener-Edstrom Public Relations with offices world wide. Kerry is also located in New York City. Brian does Computer Assisted Design for an Advertising agency in Southern Oregon.
In 1982 we began construction of a large home on top of a mountain overlooking Southern Oregon. Karen and Bob did a great deal of the construction work themselves and it took three long years before it was ready to live in. It was well worth it however, because it has panoramic views in most all directions. When our phonograph collection started to overflow our living space in the home, we added a large "Museum" which is adjacent to the home in the year 2000.
Also in the year 2000, we purchased a new 56' long houseboat that is moored on Lake Shasta in Northern California. We spend several weeks every year aboard entertaining family, friends and guests.
As our website name implies, we are most fond of the Victor/Victrola line of vintage phonographs and it is our goal to have at least one example of every model that was produced by the Victor Talking Machine Company between 1901-1929. We are well on our way towards that goal - by mid-2004 we had over 100 examples of the various Victor/Victrola models produced. Our main area of concentration now is to find more upright models with the rare wood and painted finishes, both from the Victrola line as well as other companies as well.
We enjoy hearing from fellow collectors about the hobby as well as inquiries from people who have recently acquired a vintage talking machine and need more information. Sending an e-mail is the best method of getting in touch with us.
Happy Collecting - Bob and Karen Johnson - www.mrvictor.com
