BUSY BEE RECORD was founded in 1904 by Sherwin Bisbee. These records were manufactured by the O'Neill-James Co of Chicago who issued both cylinders and discs, often with content licensed from other companies such as American Record Company, Leeds & Catlin, Hawthorne & Sheble, Zonophone, and Columbia recordings.
Busy Bee Records were unique in that they featured a rectangular slot at the foot of the record which fitted over a matching lug exclusive to Busy Bee turntables. The term 'Amberized' (an early form of plastic) describes the type of material used for the manufacture of these recordings.
“BusyBee Record (U.S.A.) / c. 1906.” Ted Staunton 78 RPM Label Gallery. Ted Staunton 78RPM Label Gallery, 25 Jan. 2012. Web. 13 Dec. 2016.
If you are a researcher or educator in need of full access to these recordings and additional materials (PDF, front/back covers, and record label scans), you can apply for Research Station Access
FAU Students, Faculty and Staff can listen to recordings and access additional materials unrestricted by clicking the Research Station icon located in the upper right corner of the website logging in using their FAU NET ID and password.
