The Wall family Christmas of 1904 has been preserved on the equivalent of an early dictaphone. The link gives more details, including samplings. (Be sure to play the one of the 7-year-old singing, with his big finale.)
Curators at the Museum of London have discovered what they believe to be the first ever recording of a family Christmas.
They were made 110 years ago by the Wall family who lived in New Southgate in North London.
There are 24 clear recordings on wax cylinders which were made using a phonograph machine between 1902 and 1917.
Music curators say the sound quality of the music recorded is outstanding.
Cromwell and Minnie Wall had nine children, eight of whom appear on the recordings. All the recordings are bursting with vibrancy and life, according to Julia Hoffbrand who is the curator at the Museum of London who helped restore the recordings.
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