Phonograph Albums Collections

The Archives and Special Collections recently wrote finding aids for our two sets of phonograph albums, the Richardson Phonograph Collection and the USD Phonograph Collection. Most of these are 12-inch, 33 1/3 rpm vinyl disks, though a few other sizes, rpms, or materials are present.

The Richardson Phonograph Collection consists of albums by South Dakota Musicians. My favorite is Ballroom Dancing by the Harry Eisele Orchestra. Mr. Eisele was from Redfield, SD and had a long career in music. He played for the inaugurations of two governors, was a member of the South Dakota Musicians Hall of Fame, and was appointed as an ambassador for South Dakota

The USD Phonograph Collection consists of albums by the University of South Dakota musicians. Many of these recordings are of the University Choir & Madrigal Chamber Singers. A few non-musical recordings are also present, including 16-inch disks with Monk Johnson’s sportscasts which played on the college radio station.

Information about Harry Eisele from his obituary (Legacy.com, accessed 09/10/2025, https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/harry-eisele-memorial?id=50851095).